In recognition of our agency’s strategic goals to educate and celebrate the different aspects of diverse cultures and traditions, CEO Doctor Claudine Cousins and Empower Simcoe’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council are pleased to offer our agency’s Land Acknowledgement statement.
A land acknowledgement is an act of reconciliation that involves making a statement recognizing the traditional territory of the Indigenous people who call this land home, and have done so prior to the arrival of settlers. We must continue to recognize and respect Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land.
A Land Acknowledgement is for the non-Indigenous people to consider, to be aware and be mindful. And also, to show their appreciation to the Indigenous People who have been caring for this land since time immemorial.
Please take time to reflect on your role in the Reconciliation process.
Empower Simcoe acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional land of the Anishinaabe (Ah-ni-shin-aw-beh) people.
The Anishinaabe (Ah-ni-shin-aw-beh) include the Ojibwe (Oh-JIB-way), Odawa (Oh-DAH-wah), and Potawatomi (Pot-a-WA-ta-mee) nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy.
We would like to acknowledge, recognize, and respect the enduring presence of the Indigenous Peoples of this region, specifically the Chippewa (Chi-puh-waa) Tri-Council First Nations comprised of the Beausoleil (Bow-sow-lay) First Nation, the Chippewas (Chi-puh-waas) of
Rama and the Chippewas (Chi-puh-waas) of Georgina Island. We also acknowledge, recognize and respect the Moose Deer Point First Nations, the Wahta Mohawks, the Georgian Bay and Moon River Metis Councils in
this region. And it should be noted that the Wendat and the Haudenosaunee Nations have also walked on this territory over time.In times of great change, we recognize more than ever the importance to honour Indigenous history and culture and are committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation, respect and good health with all First Nation, Inuit (I-nyoo-uht) and Métis (May-TEE) people and our community as a whole.
In French:
Empower Simcoe reconnaît que nous sommes situés sur les terres traditionnelles du peuple Anishinaabe.
Les Anishinaabe comprennent les nations Ojibwe, Odawa et Potawatomi, collectivement connues sous le nom de la Confédération des Trois Feux.
Nous souhaitons reconnaître et respecter la présence durable des peuples autochtones de cette région, en particulier les Premières Nations du Chippewa Tri-Council, composées de la Première Nation de Beausoleil, des Chippewas de Rama, et des Chippewas de Georgina Island. Nous reconnaissons et respectons également les Premières
Nations de Moose Deer Point, les Mohawks de Wahta, et les Conseils Métis de la baie Georgienne et de Moon River dans cette région. Il convient de noter que les nations Wendat et Haudenosaunee ont également foulé ce territoire au fil du temps.En ces temps de grands changements, nous reconnaissons plus que jamais l'importance d'honorer l'histoire et la culture autochtones et nous nous engageons à aller de l'avant dans un esprit de réconciliation, de respect et de bonne santé avec tous les membres des Premières Nations, des Inuits, et des Métis, ainsi qu'avec l'ensemble de notre communauté.
This is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC)’s 94th Call to Action.
The Canadian Citizenship Oath now includes Indigenous Treaty Rights:
“I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty, King Charles the Third, King of Canada, His Heirs and Successors. And that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. And fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.”
Treaties are agreements between Indigenous Nations and the Crown on the responsibilities and rights of both parties. There are 46 treaties in Ontario and 70 treaties across Canada which outline the sharing of the Land and resources between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
If you live in Canada, you have a responsibility to learn more about treaties.
Empower Simcoe runs buildings that include:
• 39 Fraser Court Barrie, which is situated on Treaty 18 Lands. Treaty 18 is also known as the Lake Simcoe-Nottawasaga Purchase. And was signed on October 17, 1818.
• 35 West St. N. Orillia, which is situated on the Williams Treaty Lands. The Williams Treaty was signed on November 15, 1923. It is also situated on the land covered by the John Collins’ Purchase of 1785.
• 118 Barrie St. Bradford, which is situated on Treaty 18 Lands. Treaty 18 is also known as the Lake Simcoe-Nottawasaga Purchase. And was signed on October 17, 1818. And since 1923 the Williams Treaty Lands.
These are the Territories of:
• the Anishinaabe
• The Haudenosaunee
• the Wendat
• The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
