Territorial Acknowledgment

Our Territorial Acknowledgement was created in collaboration with the children, educators, and families.

We acknowledge the importance of The Dish with One Spoon Covenant ‐ a peace agreement made between Indigenous nations before the Europeans arrived. It characterizes our collective responsibility to each other and Mother Earth ‐ we should take only what we need, leave enough for others and keep the dish clean.

Together, the Emmanual community walks with care and shares gratitude for the learning, playing, discovery, and growth of bright futures on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Chonnonton people.

We honour The Great Law of Peace as well as the languages, cultures, philosophies, practices, experiences, stories, songs, and teachings of Indigenous Nations. We are fortunate to share meaningful space with young minds who advocate and inspire strong connections to the land and each other.

At Emmanuel, we are committed to appropriately fostering a greater understanding of Indigenous cultural heritage as we:

Seek mentorship with Indigenous people, organizations, and communities;

Teach the historic truth and contributions of Indigenous Nations, past and present;

Continue to explore information from research;

Model authentic and reciprocal relationships with the land, plants, and beings; and

Experience Indigenous cultural heritage through guided practices, public engagements, and educational opportunities.

By acknowledging the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, we are reminded of our important connection to this land where we live, learn and work together as a community.