First Nations Groups within the Stratford Public Library Land and Territorial Acknowledgement
There are three First Nations highlighted in the Stratford Public Library Land and Territorial Acknowledgement because of their post-contact documented occupation of the area. The groups are mentioned in the order they are known to have come to occupy the land.
Attawandaron
“atta-wan-da-ron”
- The Stratford Public Library has traditionally used the term Neutral in place of Attawandaron, at this point in time both are acceptable but we suggest the land and territorial acknowledgement move to using Attawandaron
- The term ‘neutral’ was given by early French explorers because of their perceived neutrality between their neighbouring First Nations groups.
- The name Attawandaron was used by the Huron-Wendat and means “people of a slightly different language.”
- The Attawandaron name for themselves as a collective is unsettled.
Anishinaabeg
“anish-nah-beg”
- The Anishinaabeg gave themselves the name Anishinaabeg which means “the original people.”
Haudenosaunee
“hoe-den-no-show-nee”
- The Haudenosaunee Confederacy gave themselves the name Haudenosaunee which means “People of the Longhouse” to recognize the nations coming together as one.