We would like to begin by acknowledging that we are in Robinson-Huron Treaty territory and the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnaabeg.
We also acknowledge that you are joining us from the many territories and lands across Turtle Island that have been inhabited by Indigenous People from the beginning of time.
We are honoured to be here as guests on this land that Indigenous peoples have cared for and continue to care for.
We invite you to take a moment to yourself to locate where you presently live and honour the people of the land. Please feel free to type in the chat where you are joining us from. Think of your relation to the place you live, work, and interact.
We are also compelled to acknowledge our colonialist history, the devastation and destruction it has caused, and the ways it continues to damage the lives of so many Indigenous People.
We continue to commit ourselves to working with others to bring justice to murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls from coast to coast to coast.
Especially with the recent finding and recovery of Indigenous children buried at unmarked mass graves on the sites of former Residential Schools across the country we are reminded of the haunting and horrific legacy of the residential school system and the ongoing harm Canada’s assimilationist policies and colonial laws have on Indigenous peoples
We are all witness to the deep disparities in our communities, and we are committed to working diligently to achieve prosperity and equality for all peoples.
Our recognition of the historic importance of Indigenous Peoples is clearly and overtly linked to our collective commitment to make the promise and challenge of Truth & Reconciliation real in our communities and in our union.