Land Acknowledgement

A land acknowledgement recognizes the traditional and treaty lands of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. It is a way to demonstrate respect towards the Indigenous Peoples, both past and present, in the area that you live and work.

A land acknowledgement is an opportunity for settlers to make individual and/ or institutional commitments to learning about the local territory and traditional lands, as well as the history of, and the harms experienced by, Indigenous Peoples. It is a step towards reconciliation and signals the need for systemic changes in the relationship that settlers have with Indigenous nations.

Indigenous People typically give thanks and appreciation towards their ancestors, elders and communities at the start of gatherings, ceremonies and events. For settler Canadians implementing this act of respect, it demonstrates this respect towards Indigenous Peoples, framing ourselves in relation to the land, acknowledging ways of knowing and is a small step towards Truth and Reconciliation. It is an act of allyship, an opportunity for reflection and a way to be corporately accountable to committing to reconciliation.

Colonialism in Canada has resulted in the systematic removal and displacement of First Nations peoples from their land, the separation from their families and communities, and the criminalization of their culture. It is important to recognize that colonialism is ongoing, conducting a Land Acknowledgement is a small part of de-colonizing and dismantling structures that have oppressed Indigenous Communities and benefit and privileged the non-Indigenous settler people. A Land Acknowledgement acknowledges that Indigenous Peoples have been living and working on the land from time immemorial and these colonial structures have directly impeded with the success of many Indigenous nations.

The City’s Land Acknowledgement will be delivered at the start of every City Council, Standing Committee and Advisory Committee meeting.  It will also be delivered at all City events with opening ceremonies.  

All individuals who live in ceded, or treaty negotiated areas, are treaty people. Treaties are binding, legal agreements that were created through negotiations by the Government of Canada and Indigenous communities. The land now known as the City of Oshawa is on ceded territory within the Williams Treaties, and therefore, just like any agreements, legislations and laws, all people living within this territory are subject to them.  

In Canada, the terms "treaty land" and "unceded land" are often used to describe different types of relationships between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government regarding land rights. These terms are central to discussions about Indigenous land rights, sovereignty, and the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism. Here's an explanation of each:

Treaty Land

Treaty Land refers to areas of land that Indigenous peoples ceded or surrendered to the Crown (the Canadian government) through negotiated treaties. These agreements were meant to establish peaceful relationships, define the rights and responsibilities of both parties, and often involved the surrender of land in exchange for specific rights and benefits.

Examples

The Williams Treaties and others, cover vast territories in different regions of Canada. These treaties outline the terms under which Indigenous peoples agreed to share their lands with settlers in exchange for promises such as reserve lands, annuities, education, and other provisions.

Unceded Land

Unceded land refers to areas where Indigenous peoples have not signed treaties surrendering their land rights to the Crown. In these areas, Indigenous nations argue that they retain inherent land rights that have not been extinguished through any formal agreement. Some Indigenous nations in Canada did not enter into treaties, either by choice or because negotiations were not pursued or successfully concluded. As a result, their land is considered unceded.

Examples

The concept of unceded land is often associated with various Indigenous nations, including those on the west coast of Canada. For instance, the territories of many First Nations in British Columbia are frequently described as unceded, as comprehensive treaties were not historically negotiated in the same manner as in other parts of the country.

It's important to note that the use of these terms doesn't always imply a clear-cut distinction, and the legal and historical context can vary among different Indigenous nations. The acknowledgment of unceded land is an essential aspect of discussions around Indigenous rights and reconciliation in Canada. The recognition of Indigenous land rights, whether through treaties or other mechanisms, is a key element in fostering respectful and equitable relationships between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government.

All individuals who live in ceded, or treaty negotiated areas, are treaty people. Treaties are binding, legal agreements that were created through negotiations by the Government of Canada and Indigenous communities, like any agreements, legislations and laws, all people living across Turtle Island are subject to them. 

The Corporation of the City of Oshawa is located within the Williams Treaty area and this Treaty includes seven First Nations communities: The Mississauga Nations of Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation and Scugog Island First Nation, and the Chippewa Nations of Georgina Island First Nation, Rama First Nation, and Beausoleil First Nation

The history of treaty making in Canada is complex and spans centuries, involving Indigenous peoples, European colonizers, and later the Canadian government. The process of treaty making has evolved over time and has had significant implications for the relationships between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian corporation.

• Colonial Conflict: British and French Era – 1534-1763
• British Era – 1764-1860
• Canadian Era – 1867-Present

Pre-Contact Indigenous Treaties

Long before European contact, Indigenous peoples in what is now known as Canada had their own systems of diplomacy and agreements. These agreements were often informal and based on mutual respect and understanding of territories. Treaties were made for various purposes, including trade, access to hunting grounds, and alliances.

European Colonization – 1534 - 1867

With the arrival of European settlers, particularly the French and British, new alliances emerged. The Europeans often sought formal agreements to secure alliances and access to resources. The Royal Proclamation of 1763, issued by the British Crown, recognized Indigenous land rights and laid the foundation for future treaty negotiations.

Treaty Negotiations in Other Regions

While the Numbered Treaties cover much of Western Canada, other regions of the country saw different approaches to treaty making. In some areas, comprehensive land claim agreements were negotiated to address historical grievances and define Indigenous rights.

Modern Treaties and Self-Government Agreements

In the late 20th century and into the 21st century, there has been a shift toward negotiating modern treaties and comprehensive land claims. These agreements go beyond the scope of the historical Numbered Treaties, addressing issues such as self-government, land rights, resource management, and cultural preservation. Examples include the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and the Nisga'a Treaty.

Challenges and Issues

Treaty negotiations in Canada have not been without challenges. Issues such as differing interpretations of treaty terms, compensation, and the recognition of Indigenous rights and title have been sources of contention. Additionally, there are still many Indigenous nations in Canada that do not have treaties, and negotiations continue in various regions.

Impact on Indigenous Communities

The impact of treaties on Indigenous communities varies widely. While some agreements have led to economic opportunities and greater self-governance, others have faced criticism for not fully addressing historical injustices and for perpetuating power imbalances.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on reconciliation between the Canadian government and Indigenous peoples, acknowledging historical wrongs, and working towards a more equitable and respectful relationship. The history of treaty making in Canada is closely tied to broader issues of Indigenous rights, land claims, and the ongoing process of reconciliation.

Steps to developing a personalized Land Acknowledgement

Step 1 – Learn about the treaty territory your are a part of

The Williams Treaties were specifically focused on addressing the surrender of Indigenous lands in exchange for certain rights and benefits. The Indigenous nations involved in the Williams Treaties negotiations include the Mississaugas of Alderville, Curve Lake, Hiawatha, and Scugog Island First Nations, and the Chippewas of Beausoleil, Georgina Island, and Rama First Nations.

The negotiation and implementation of the Williams Treaties are part of the broader history of treaty-making in Canada and the relationship between the Canadian government and Indigenous peoples. Efforts towards reconciliation and addressing historical grievances are ongoing.

Step 2 – Personal Reflection

If you are the host to a meeting or gathering and are going to be saying a Land Acknowledgement make sure you give yourself time for personal reflection so that you can commit authentically to this reconciliation practice and process.

Expand and further your knowledge by:

• Learning about the signatories of the Williams Treaty and the seven First Nations in the Treaty area.
• Reviewing and practicing the pronunciation of words that you might not be familiar with.
• Being mindful of current events affecting Indigenous Peoples and consider acknowledging those in your statement (e.g. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (M.M.I.W.G.), water boil advisories)

Step 3 – Personalization of your Land Acknowledgement

Often times Land Acknowledgements can be empty and tokenistic so personalizing a Land Acknowledgement can be a way to avoid this. Land Acknowledgements should not be the same for each person as they should be as diverse and reflective of the person who created it.

Ask yourself these questions and consider including your answers in your personalized Land Acknowledgement:

• What is your positionality? Are you Indigenous, Settler-Canadian or New Canadian? How did you come to be here?
• What other parts of your identity affect and inform how you live? What parts of your identity are you comfortable sharing in the context of your positionality? (e.g. An immigrant, a member of 2SLGBTQ+ community, a person with a disability, an authority figure, etc.)
• Whose land are you on and what are the ways that you benefit from this treaty relationship? What opportunities and privileges have you had as a visitor to the land?
• What is your commitment to reconciliation? Some examples could include:
  • Committing to ongoing education of Indigenous histories and reconciliation
  • Supporting Indigenous businesses and grassroots organizations
  • Donating your time or money to Indigenous communities
  • Returning land to Indigenous communities
• What is the theme or purpose of the meeting/ gathering? Make a connection between the topic of the event and the land acknowledgement. Make it as appropriate to the specific circumstance as you can.

Step 4 – Offering the verbal acknowledgement

Share your personalized Land Acknowledgement with a colleague or friend. Ask for feedback and practice saying it out loud. Be prepared to make mistakes, to learn and adjust your land acknowledgement each time you are going to say it.

It is not appropriate for Indigenous people to be asked to deliver the Land Acknowledgement. The host of an event, gathering or meeting who is non-Indigenous should say the Land Acknowledgement. It is appropriate however to invite a local Elder to provide a welcome to the territory at the beginning of an event or gathering.

Remember being an ally requires taking risks and being uncomfortable! It is important to go beyond words, out of your comfort zone and create your own call to action.