Land Acknowledgment

Land Acknowledgment:

Currently I reside on the lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Mississauga, and Haudenosaunee peoples whose protection and care for this land has allowed me to grow and live here. I share this land under the Williams Treaty (Native Land) and recognize that the Canadian government, and the British and French before them, continuously break treaties on Turtle Island. I recognize that I am a settler on this land and that I inherited the harmful legacy of colonialism by the Canadian government when I came to this country. I realize I must work to understand the truth of the history on this land in order to reconcile with Indigenous peoples on this land. I recognize that as an educator, I am called to action by the Truth and Reconciliation committee in doing the work of educating the next generation of the history of colonialism and the perseverance of Indigenous peoples.

I thank all the Indigenous educators, elders, writers and artists who have helped me grow in my understanding of the true history of this land over this past summer (2020) as I have had the opportunity to take part in online learning opportunities and connect with people. As a person who has learned both English and French after arriving here, I recognize the harm done in losing your native languages and cultures in the process. I recognize the loss of fluency in Indigenous languages through the forced learning of colonial languages in residential schools and in public schools today. I therefore approach this project humbly in trying to ensure Indigenous voices are present in the texts included in this project, along with Black and POC representation in this project. If I have made mistakes in my choice of texts and their inclusions, I welcome correction. Thank you especially to Indigenous peoples in all types of settings who continually work to educate settlers and help us in growing our relationship with one another.

With gratitude,

Natasha Faroogh