We at the Toronto Environmental Alliance acknowledge the land we work and live on is Indigenous land. These are the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This is also the traditional territory of the Chippewa, Wendat, and Haudenosaunee peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Tkaronto is the Mohawk name for this place, meaning “where there are trees standing in the water”, and it is now commonly called Toronto.
We recognize that the lands upon which we work and live are within the bounds of Treaty 13 agreed upon by the Mississaugas of the Credit and the British Crown in 1805. We also recognize that we work and live on lands that are cared for and stewarded by the Williams Treaty First Nations which includes Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. We respectfully acknowledge the legal battles that these First Nations fought and won and that they are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity, and they continue to maintain this responsibility ensuring their health and integrity for generations to come.
We recognize that the process of treaty-making among Indigenous nations existed long before the arrival of settler people, and some treaties such as Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant that was negotiated by the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee, were made as agreements to share the land. Later, colonial treaties, such as the Williams Treaties, intentionally extracted land from Indigenous Peoples, and as a settler organization, we recognize that we have benefitted from colonial systems of extraction and land dispossession. To address the root causes of these issues, our environmental work must strive to disrupt colonialism and support Indigenous People.
We are responsible for supporting and showing solidarity with Indigenous eople, and doing our part to protect the land and water, and fight against climate change, pollution, and waste.
We recognize and celebrate the Indigenous history that is evident across this land, including where our office is located on Spadina Avenue. The name Spadina is taken from the Anishinaabemowin word ishpadinaa, (Ish-pah-dee-naa) meaning “high hill” or “going up the hill.” We are committed to fighting against the cultural erasure caused by colonialism.
We also recognize that many non-Indigenous people have come to this land, many have come here by choice, while many are here because of historical violence/force. We ourselves at TEA have arrived on this land as newcomers, refugees, and as multi-generational settlers. Part of our responsibility is to ensure future newcomers have the support they need to arrive on this land and feel welcomed and supported in participating in caring for the land and the fight against colonialism.
This land acknowledgment is a statement by which we move forward, acknowledge the past, and is a living, growing commitment.
Some resources and tools that TEA staff have found useful and/or would like to share:
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Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation - Book by Andrew Stobo Sniderman Douglas Sanderson