Our Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that we are located in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. We respectfully acknowledge that the Williams
Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity, and that they continue to
maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.

One hundred years ago, your ancestors signed treaties with the Crown that became known as the Williams Treaties. You believed the Williams Treaties of 1923 were intended to resolve your longstanding claims and prevent settlers continued encroaching on your traditional lands. Instead, the conclusion of these treaties created continuing injustices — insufficient compensation, inadequate reserve lands, and the inability to freely exercise harvesting rights.

We are sorry that, even before the Williams Treaties were concluded, your ancestors were unable to fully enjoy the bounty of your traditional lands. And we are sorry that the Crown failed to recognize and respect your treaty rights.

We recognize also the unique history, culture and traditions of the many Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this time and space. We thank the Métis, the Inuit, and the many other First Nations people for their contributions and we commit to strengthen ties, serve your communities and responsibly honour all our relations.