Land Acknowledgements

We would like to respectfully acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga First Nations. We are grateful for our relationship with the First Nations of this territory, for their care for, and teachings about, the land, the water, and all our relations. As Treaty People we continue our journey to strengthen our understanding of our Treaty relationship and of how to move forward together in a good way. We acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments of all Indigenous people across Turtle Island, current and throughout history. 

Acknowledgement of Traditional Lands and Territories 

The Land Acknowledgement is a result of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It’s a way of taking responsibility and is led by settlers or guests on the territory.  All schools in KPR are on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga First Nations (Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg).

It’s about taking action too.

The statement has been provided for you (see the green box above). Please use this one. Do not adapt it. Bring the words to life by understanding why it's important to know the treaty and traditional territory. The Land Acknowledgement becomes more meaningful when we move beyond the words to take action.

Begin by unpacking the words in the Land Acknowledgement. What do the words mean? Read the words until you can see yourself reflected in them. You may need to engage in some learning along the way about some of the ideas like ‘treaty relationship.’ Then make a list of things you can do today, this week, this year, and in your lifetime. 

Slide deck is below. For slide deck with speaker notes click here.

Making KPR’s Land Acknowledgement a meaningful part of the day 

What is your relationship with land? How did you come to live and work here on this land? What does the Land Acknowledgement mean to you?

How to support student learning about the Land Acknowledgement

• Video for Primary/Junior/Intermediate students: Indigenous land acknowledgements, their purpose, and how to make them meaningful | CBC Kids News.

• Check out the ETFO Guide (great for all ages) Starting from the Heart: Going Beyond a Land Acknowledgement.

Here is the framework we suggest you use when delivering a Land Acknowledgement:

1. Introduce self and relationship with this territory

2. Read the formal Land Acknowledgement

3. Share a Reflection: 

   • Possible sentence starters:

     • My relationship with the land on this territory and the contributions of Indigenous people here is important to me because…..

     • Actions I am taking or plan to take to strengthen my understanding of (or contribute to) this Treaty relationship include…..

Reconciliation Begins with Land

1. Learn the story of the land you work and live upon. What is your relationship to the land? What is the story of this place? How did this building come to be here? How did you come to be here?

2. By deepening the relationship with the land, we can see its abundance, give thanks for its story over time, acknowledge its sacrifices, and learn the lessons that land offers us.

3. For staff looking to learn more about Land-Based Learning check out this ETFO resource.

4. Going Beyond a Land Acknowledgement resource.