Treaty Land Acknowledgement

ASCA Provincial Land Acknowledgement

In this gathering, we acknowledge that the land we meet on is, always has been, and will always be the home of Indigenous Peoples.

We, at the Alberta School Councils’ Association, respectfully acknowledge that we are situated on the traditional territories of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Tsuut’ina, Îyârhe Nakoda, Nehiyaw, Dëne Sųłiné, Dane-zaa, Nakota Sioux. These lands are subject to Treaties 4,6,7,8, and 10, and have long served as meeting grounds, travel routes, and gathering places for many diverse First Nations including the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee, as well as Métis, and Inuit peoples. We recognize all these Nations and communities, whose rich histories, languages, cultures, and traditions continue to thrive and are key to the enrichment of all our communities. 

We offer our deepest gratitude for the stewardship of this land and acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge of the Indigenous Peoples who so generously share these territories with us. As an educational partner, ASCA commits to continuous learning, the pursuit of anti-racist and anti-oppressive conduct, and active participation in the journey toward reconciliation. 

We commit to building relationships with Indigenous Peoples that guide and facilitate the inclusion of the diverse voices of all who now call Alberta home in a good and respectful way. We pledge to work together towards the dismantling of systemic barriers, honouring past, present, and future Indigenous Peoples and their vital roles in our shared history and future.

An important step in reconciliation is the acknowledgement of traditional treaty land and recognition for people of the territory.

Events, gatherings and meetings should all begin with a verbal acknowledgement.

Note – it is acceptable practice to ask a host, or local Elder/Knowledge Keeper, for wording specific to a particular area within the Treaty land.

Treaty Map

Recommended sample Land Acknowledgements (ATA)

NEXT STEPS IN MAKING LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS "WE ARE ALL TREATY PEOPLE"

This Learn and GO content was curated by Krystal Abrahamowicz (kabrahamowicz@crcpd.ab.ca) on behalf of Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia (ARPDC) © 2020

Click on image to download the PDF file which contains numerous links.

The following acknowledgements of being on Treaty Lands are appropriate for a public gathering in specific areas:

Treaty 6

"I’d like to acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting grounds, gathering place, and travelling route to the Cree, Saulteaux (So-toe), Blackfoot, Métis, Dene (De-nay) and Nakota Sioux (Sue). We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries."

Treaty 7

"I’d like to acknowledge that we are on Treaty 7 territory, the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Nations, including Siksika (Sick-sick-ah), Piikani (Pee-can-ee), and Kainai (Kigh-a-nigh), the Tsuut’ina (Soot- ina **a bit of a stop after the t), Nation and Stoney Nakoda First Nations. We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries."

Treaty 8

"I want to acknowledge that we are meeting on Treaty 8 territory and we honour and acknowledge all of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples who have lived, traveled and gathered on these lands for thousands of years."