Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land upon which we are gathered is the traditional territory of the Attawandaronk, the Haudenosaunee and the Anishinaabe people. We are the beneficiaries of ancient agreements such as the Dish With One Spoon between the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee, who agreed to share the abundance of the land through peace, friendship and mutual respect; the Two Row Wampum, by which the Haudenosaunee welcomed the settlers and agreed to share the land in mutual respect; and the Treaty of Niagara, considered a fundamental document by First Nations in all future relations and treaties with the British. 

We recognize that we have a responsibility to be stewards of the land, in cooperation and collaboration with the Indigenous peoples, not only for one generation but for all generations to come. We understand that we have an obligation to learn the lessons of our history, educate ourselves about the experiences of the Indigenous people and seek opportunities to heal the wounds that will result in reconciliation with our Indigenous sisters and brothers. 

Many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people live and work in Fort Erie. We stand with all Indigenous people, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live. We have the good fortune to live in a land of such abundance, diversity and beauty – let us be vigilant in protecting Turtle Island.