CONTACT SPL    |     MY ACCOUNT

tree tops

Territorial Acknowledgement

Territorial Acknowledgement

A territorial acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. Acknowledgement of the traditional territory upon which we all live is an important first step toward reconciliation.

Our Acknowledgement

"As we gather, we acknowledge that we are meeting on the original land inhabited by Indigenous peoples from the beginning.

As settlers, we're grateful for the opportunity to meet here and we thank all the generations of people who have taken care of this land since time immemorial.

In particular, we acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee peoples. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties.

We recognize and deeply appreciate their historic connection to this place. We also recognize the contributions of Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and our province and country as a whole.

As settlers, this recognition of the contributions and historic importance of Indigenous peoples must also be clearly and overtly connected to our collective commitment to make the promise and the challenge of Truth and Reconciliation real in our communities."

Pronunciation
• Haudenosaunee: (hoe-den-oh-sow-nee)
• Métis: (may-tee)

Use of Acknowledgement

A territorial acknowledgement will be used by the Library CEO or designate at the start of public meetings, celebrations, or other official events and programs as deemed appropriate, and that are hosted or supported by Stratford Public Library. 

The Path Ahead

We encourage everyone to continue their reconciliation journey by visiting the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). The NCTR is the permanent home for all statements, documents, and other materials gathered by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.