Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

Indigenous Land Acknowledgment

OSSTF District 25 SSP Bargaining Unit recognizes that the city of Ottawa is built on the unceded traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. This acknowledgement honours the enduring presence and contributions of the Indigenous Peoples including, Algonquin Nations, First Nations, Inuit and Metis to this land. 

The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We take this time to express our gratitude and respect to them and to the land for all that it has provided and will continue to provide. 

We recognize the First Peoples’ continued stewardship of the land and water along the watersheds of the Kichi Zibi(Ottawa River). Today many Indigenous Peoples continue to call this land home and act as its stewards. This responsibility extends to all peoples, to share and care for this land for generations to come. 

 We recognize that territorial acknowledgements are only one step in cultivating greater respect for and inclusion of Indigenous People. We commit to accompanying these words with actions by utilizing Indigenous educational resources and supporting educators to teach about reconciliation, in schools and our community. 

As Educators we should ask questions, learn from the past generational harm of the Indigenous Peoples, and work towards building a future and community that is better for all.