Land acknowledgement

It’s important for us at the HUB to acknowledge our colonial past, and the harms that colonialism has brought to Indigenous and racialized people. Moreover, we want to recognize the continuing reality of unresolved land theft that Indigenous Peoples have to live with.

You can refer to Native Land as a starting point, but this is not a comprehensive or complete map; it’s a work in progress. 

The Climate Justice Organizing HUB is based on the territories of The Kanien’kehá:ka, who are the keepers of the Eastern Door of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The island called “Montreal” is known as Tiotia:ke in Kanien’kehá, a language of the Iroquoian family. It has historically been a meeting place for many Indigenous nations. 

As part of our approach to understanding proper land acknowledgement practices, we sought the wisdom of veteran Indigenous land defender Ellen Gabriel. Ellen spoke to us in Kanehsatake in 2021. We encourage you to take 4 minutes to listen to her thoughts on the conventions of Land Acknowledgement.

We also suggest checking out the HUB's event on decolonizing climate activism. Speakers include: Jaydene Lavallie, a Two-Spirit Michif-Cree woman currently living in Dish with One Spoon Territory (Hamilton, ON). She spends most of her efforts on anti-extractive and land defence struggles, but has also dedicated herself to defending Hamilton against gentrification, fighting patriarchy inside and outside of organizing circles, and pushing for animal liberation. Also included is Sakej (James) Ward, who belongs to the wolf clan. He is Mi’kmaw (Mi’kmaq Nation) from Esgenoopetitj (Burnt Church First Nation, New Brunswick). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Masters in Indigenous Governance. Sakej has a long history of advocating and protecting First Nations inherent responsibilities and freedoms.

Finally, we asked Ellen for her thoughts on non-Indigenous allyship when we spoke to her in Kanehsatake in 2021. We suggest everyone take the time to review this footage.

If you have any suggested revisions or additional resources to share related to the above content, please email them to kenzie@lehub.ca.

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