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Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, known as Katarokwi or Akadanakwig, or colonially as “Kingston.” The Alma Mater Society and Queen’s University seek to recognize the importance of these lands to the Indigenous peoples who have existed since time immemorial. The unjust acquisition of these lands occurred through the Crawford Purchase of 1783, a land treaty upheld by the First Peoples but later undermined by the British Crown and the “Canadian” government. This history of numerous broken promises and treaties continues to impact Indigenous communities today.

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As settlers on this land, we acknowledge our continued benefit from systemic structures that marginalize Indigenous peoples. Recognizing systemic oppression, it is our duty to actively listen to and amplify Indigenous voices, addressing both past and ongoing injustices for meaningful, positive change. We are grateful to these lands for sustaining us and giving us the gift of life. This acknowledgment is a call to action, committing us to understand and respect the history and ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples. We recognize that words alone are not enough; our actions must reflect our commitment to justice and reconciliation.

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We have immense gratitude for the privilege to live, learn and play on these lands through learning and growing in orientation to make connections to new people. I encourage you to further your learning through Queen's Encyclopedia, Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre, and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives.

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Our words have power; through this acknowledgment, we aim to honor life. The resurgence and self-determination of Indigenous peoples inspire us to act with humility and in consideration of the future generations. We look to the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which perpetually teaches mutual understanding of shared land and resources, as a guiding principle in our journey toward reconciliation in Katarokwi/Akadanakwig and on Turtle Island. We are dedicated to creating an environment where Indigenous students, faculty, and staff feel valued, heard, and supported.

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