Land Acknowledgement
On October 25, 2018 a proposal was made to the Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services (GPACOS) which included two land acknowledgements to encompass the region in which we live and work. This following acknowledgment has been recognised by Grande Prairie Regional College and implemented into our communication portfolio across all media.
"We acknowledge the homeland of the many diverse First Nations and Métis people whose ancestors have walked this land since time immemorial. We are grateful to work, live and learn on the traditional territory of Treaty 8."
The first acknowledgment above is intended for more formal settings, bigger groups, or longer meetings. For example, the formal acknowledgement may be suitable for opening a conference, event or assembly. The second one below is intended for more casual occasions or after someone has already made the formal acknowledgement. For example, when one is the third speaker at an event, at the beginning of an informal meeting, or during morning announcements.
"We acknowledge the Indigenous people and ancestors whose land we are on"
Specific Language was Used
A lot of thought was put into the language used for this statement. A glossary can be found below, explaining why specific words have been used and what importance they have in contributing to the power of this acknowledgement.
Homeland
First Nations
Métis Region
Ancestors
Gratitude
Treaty
What is Treaty 8?
Treaty 8 was signed on 21 June 1899 by the Crown and First Nations of the Lesser Slave Lake area.
The treaty covers roughly 841,487.137 km2 of what was formerly the North-West Territories and British Columbia, and now includes northern Alberta, northwest Saskatchewan, and portions of the modern Northwest Territories and BC, making it the largest treaty by area in the history of Canada.
The terms and implementation of Treaty 8 differ importantly from those of previous Numbered Treaties, with long-lasting consequences for the governance and peoples of that area.
Learn More about Treaty 8Contact Us
For more information on how to use the land acknowledgement statement, please contact;