Land Acknowledgement

Homeland for First Nations & Métis: Often, homeland is used only for Métis peoples within the area. However, the term homeland also encompasses the various First Nations people of the area. As such, it has been used for both First Nations and Métis acknowledgement.

Homeland before Treaty: Often, acknowledgement of the Treaty is first within a Land Acknowledgement. However, the Treaty is an agreement that was made with settlers later in history - the Indigenous peoples had been on this land since time immemorial. As such, we feel it is important to recognize the homeland before the Treaty.

First Nations: Sometimes specific First Nations are acknowledged within the area. Such as Cree and Beaver. However, this potentially leaves out important groups. Instead, we have chosen the term First Nations to encompass the various peoples of this area.

Métis Region: Sometimes the Métis Region is acknowledged for Métis peoples. However, some Métis peoples are tied to their settlements not the region. Instead, we have chosen the term homeland to encompass the lands in which the Métis peoples whose land we are on.

Acknowledging our Ancestors: While certain groups of people continue to live on this land, there are many no longer present today that have a strong history and tie to the land. Thus, we acknowledge the people and the Ancestors.

Gratitude: We have added that “we are grateful to work, live and learn on the traditional territory of Treaty 8” . This ties the past to the present and recognizes where we stand today. It also expresses necessary gratitude and brings a good feeling to the acknowledgement..

Acknowledging Treaty: In some cases, Indigenous people reject the term Treaty due to the oppressive and colonial history of treaties. While this is an educational piece to share, Treaty 8 still exists and continues to affect the lives of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people today. Thus, we feel it is important to acknowledge and recognize that we are in traditional territory of Treaty 8.