Acknowledgement
We recognize the deep and enduring relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the land we live on today. This land has been home to generations of Indigenous communities whose presence, knowledge, and contributions continue to shape this place. We honour the ancestors who came before us and acknowledge the ongoing connection between land, culture, and identity. This page is a space to reflect, learn, and show respect for the land and those who have always called it home.
Two-Row Wampum Treaty (1613) encompasses Southern Ontario into the northern United States via New York. This treaty was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Dutch; but a relationship meant for Indigenous and Settler peoples. This treaty embodies Peace, Friendship, Truth (Justice) and the non-interference that each were to live their lives by. A driving part of this agreement is about Truth, which is translated into justice between Indigenous and Settler peoples. Without truth there can be no justice.
Dish with One Spoon Treaty (1701) stretches from Quebec to Southern Ontario. This treaty was first created in the 1100’s and it was originally between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. The treaty was about coming to an agreement as to how they would share the resources of the land. Now this treaty (1701) connects to all people. There is the thinking that “We all eat out of the dish” meaning that we all share the territory in which we live, and hence the resources within that territory. With only one spoon, we share a responsibility of ensuring everyone has what they need and that the dish is never empty. This includes taking care of the land and all our relations whom we share the land with. There are no knives, only a spoon. This symbolizes that part of sharing means keeping the peace and one’s relationships. Sharing and peace go hand in hand.
There is a large urban Indigenous population of 10,000 people in Kitchener-Waterloo.
We are also near to diverse communities of First Peoples in Southern Ontario. There are 18 First Nations within 2.5 hours drive:
Six Nations of the Grand River
Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation
Walpole Island (Bkejwanong Territory)
Aamjiwnaang First Nation (Chippewas of Sarnia)
Saugeen First Nation (Chippewas of Saugeen Ojibway)
Chippewas of Rama First Nation
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
Interested in learning more?
learning about the land on which they reside.