Land Acknowledgement

The Ottawa Catholic School Board acknowledges that the work we do is on unceded, unsurrendered Algonquin Territory.  We are grateful to the Algonquin community for hosting us and we respect their ongoing relationship with this land. Historically, Ottawa has served as a meeting and gathering place for many nations. Ottawa is a place where many displaced Indigenous peoples have been able to settle and live as guests on this territory. Connection to the land is innate for Indigenous peoples and communities, therefore Ottawa, with its grand waterways and vast forests and nature trails, is an ideal place for many Indigenous peoples and nations to settle and call home. The OCSB is dedicated to integrating Indigenous perspectives and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into our teaching practices, aligning with our Indigenous Framework. As highlighted by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), reconciliation with Indigenous peoples must include reconciliation with the natural world. The creation of this Eco-Framework is guided by the concept of "Two-Eyed Seeing" (Etuaptmumk), championed by Dr. Elder Albert Marshall, who shares the importance of honouring both Indigenous and Western Knowledge systems. This Eco-Framework is also influenced by thought leaders like Robin Wall Kimmerer and Marie Battiste, who emphasize the interconnectedness of all life and our reciprocal relationship with the Earth. The Eco-Framework incorporates the worldviews, languages, and traditional laws of the many Indigenous nations of Turtle Island into its educational practices, promoting sustainable practices essential for the planet’s health. We honour the Algonquin Nation on whose territory we reside by incorporating their teachings of the importance of living in harmony with all creation, as well as living in reciprocity, mutual respect, and in connection to Akìwan in all that we do. Our approach aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, particularly Action 92 (Sections i & iii), and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. By fostering a culture of respect, healing, and reconciliation, we aim to create a sustainable future where faith, community, and environmental responsibility are interconnected, offering hope for future generations.

To learn more about the purpose of Land Acknowledgements, please visit the Indigenous Education website.