Land Acknowledgment - Indigenous Initiatives

The official land acknowledgements for York University campuses have been developed by our treaty partners, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The statement provided is the official statement that should be used at all York University activities and events.

A land or territorial acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes and honours Indigenous Peoples who have historically inhabited, and who continue to live on, these lands. It affirms their enduring presence and contributions, both past and present, on the territories where York University is situated and operates. Such acknowledgements serve as reminders of the treaties and our collective responsibility to uphold them.

They represent an act of reconciliation and a commitment to truth and responsibility. Engaging thoughtfully with land acknowledgements reminds us of our obligations to the land and to those who have cared for it since time immemorial, and into the present.

York University recognizes that treaty history is foundational, and it is our collective
responsibility to honour the land, as we honour and respect those who have gone before us,
those who are here and those who have yet to come.

Official York University cross campus Land Acknowledgment statements

Glendon Campus

More than two centuries ago, the Mississauga people welcomed settlers to this territory, providing sustenance and engaging in trade and commerce. Between 1781 and 1820, eight treaties were signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, who opened their territory to settlement. Today, York University's Glendon Campus is located on Toronto Purchase Treaty, No. 13 lands and is situated on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee.

Treaty history is foundational, and it is our collective responsibility to honour the land, as we honour and respect those who have gone before us, those who are here and those who have yet to come. We are grateful for the opportunity to be learning, working and thriving on this land, and we commit to learn the truth and be active in the process of reconciliation

Depuis des millénaires, des peuples autochtones vivent dans cette région de l’île de la Tortue, veillant sur les terres, l’eau et tout ce qui contribue à la vie. Aujourd’hui, ce territoire et ses habitants bénéficient de la richesse culturelle et de la présence des Premières Nations, des Inuits et des Métis.

Les Mississaugas ont accueilli chez eux les colons il y a plus de deux siècles. Ils les ont nourris et ont fait du commerce et du troc avec eux. Entre 1781 et 1820, huit traités avec les Mississaugas de la Première Nation de Credit ont ouvert cette région du monde à la colonisation. Aujourd’hui, le campus Glendon de l’Université York est situé sur les terres du Traité no 13 de l’Achat de Toronto, terres ancestrales des Hurons-Wendats et des Haudenosaunee.

Les traités font partie intégrante de notre histoire collective. Nous avons la responsabilité d’honorer ce territoire, tout comme nous honorons et respectons celles et ceux qui nous ont précédés, qui sont ici aujourd’hui et qui nous succéderont. Nous avons la chance de pouvoir étudier, travailler et prospérer sur ces terres et nous nous engageons à apprendre la vérité et à participer activement au processus de réconciliation.

Keele Campus

More than two centuries ago, the Mississauga people welcomed settlers to this territory, providing sustenance and engaging in trade and commerce. Between 1781 and 1820, eight treaties were signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, who opened their territory to settlement. Today, York University’s Keele Campus is located on Toronto Purchase Treaty, No. 13 lands and is situated on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee.

Les Mississaugas ont accueilli chez eux les colons il y a plus de deux siècles. Ils les ont nourris et ont fait du commerce et du troc avec eux. Entre 1781 et 1820, huit traités avec les Mississaugas de la Première Nation de Credit ont ouvert cette région du monde à la colonisation. Aujourd’hui, le campus Keele de l’Université York est situé sur les terres du Traité no 13 de l’Achat de Toronto, terres ancestrales des Hurons-Wendats et des Haudenosaunee.

Markham Campus

First Nations peoples have lived on this part of Turtle Island for millennia, stewarding the land, the water and all that contributes to life in this region. Today, the culture and presence of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples enrich the lands and people of this territory. More than two centuries ago, the First Peoples welcomed settlers to this territory, providing sustenance and engaging in trade and commerce. Today, York University’s Markham Campus is located on the Treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Anishinabek of the Williams Treaties Nations and is situated on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee.

Les premiers peuples ont accueilli chez eux les colons il y a plus de deux siècles. Ils les ont nourris et ont fait du commerce et du troc avec eux. Aujourd’hui, le campus Markham de l’Université York est situé sur les terres et le territoire visés par les traités de la Première Nation des Mississaugas de Credit et des Anishinabek des Premières Nations, signataires des Traités Williams, et sur les terres ancestrales des Hurons-Wendats et des Haudenosaunee.

Multi-campus

* To be used in instances where event covers all York U GTA campuses such as institutional events.*

More than two centuries ago, the Mississauga people welcomed settlers to this territory, providing sustenance and engaging in trade and commerce.

Today, York University campuses are located on the Toronto Purchase Treaty No. 13 lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the lands of the Anishinabek of the Williams Treaties First Nations. Our campuses are also situated on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee.

À utiliser lorsque l’événement couvre et reconnaît tous les campus de York dans la région du Grand Toronto.

Les Mississaugas ont accueilli chez eux les colons il y a plus de deux siècles. Ils les ont nourris et ont fait du commerce et du troc avec eux.

Aujourd’hui, les campus de l’Université York sont situés sur les terres et le territoire des Mississaugas de la Première Nation de Credit visés par le Traité no 13 de l’Achat de Toronto, ainsi que sur les terres des Anishinabek signataires des Traités Williams. Nos campus sont également situés sur les territoires traditionnels des Hurons-Wendats et des Haudenosaunee.

Pronunciations

Inuit (IN-you-it)

Métis (May-tee)

Huron-Wendat (WHEN-dat)

Haudenosaunee (HO-den-no-show-nee)

Anishinabek (Ah-NISH-nah-bek)

Personalizing the Land Acknowledgement

Personalizing a land acknowledgement is an opportunity to situate yourself in relationship to the land you are on, its history, and the Nation(s) who have stewarded it since time immemorial. Take time to reflect on your own connection to this place, how you benefit from the land where you live or work, and your role, even as a visitor, in honouring that relationship.

Consider what it means to honour and uphold the treaty responsibilities that have shaped this territory, and how these responsibilities contribute to future generations and the future of the land.

Personalizing your acknowledgement is a meaningful way to engage in reconciliation and contribute to deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous sovereignty and treaty rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Land acknowledgements are an important step in fostering and maintaining respectful and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. They represent an act of reconciliation and a commitment to truth and responsibility. Engaging thoughtfully with land acknowledgements reminds us of our obligations to the land and to those who have cared for it since time immemorial, and into the present.

Land acknowledgement statements should be delivered at the outset of any event taking place on lands historically inhabited and currently cared for by Indigenous Peoples. It is recommended that the acknowledgement be the first item on the agenda, preceding the introduction of speakers.

Events where land acknowledgements are encouraged include, but are not limited to ceremonies, meetings, webinars, training sessions, institution-wide events, sporting activities, special occasions, academic classes and all public gatherings. It is recommended that land acknowledgements be visible on written and audio communications, email signatures, and job postings. Incorporating this practice demonstrates respect, fosters awareness, and reinforces our shared responsibility to the land.

We begin with a land acknowledgement to recognize and respect the lands on which events take place. This practice honours the treaties, treaty holders and acknowledges the enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples who have lived on and cared for this land for generations and continue to do so today. It is an important first step toward reconciliation, fostering awareness and understanding of Indigenous histories and ongoing contributions.

Typically, the host of the event delivers the land acknowledgement, and it is recommended that this be a non-Indigenous individual. The acknowledgement should always be offered by those who are guests on the land. While both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals may deliver land acknowledgements, it is important to recognize that Indigenous Peoples should never be expected to do so. As these lands are their territories, it is a sign of respect for guests to acknowledge the land they are on and the communities who have welcomed them (Queen’s University, n.d.).

Cantemaza McKay of Spirit Lake Nation explains the reasoning behind this: “I cannot welcome invaders to my land that has already been invaded. From the Dakota perspective, our land has been invaded. Our Treaties have not been upheld. When I give land acknowledgements as an educator, it’s my job to educate and pass on land acknowledgements in a good way” (Native Governance Center, 2019).

Staff and faculty are encouraged to download the updated email signatures which now include the new land acknowledgement.

Email signatures are organized by category to help you quickly find the version you need:

Keele Campus
Markham Campus
Sub‑brands (including Glendon Campus – English and French)
Faculties

Simply select the signature that aligns with your campus or unit, then copy and paste it into your email settings. Updating your signature helps ensure we are all reflecting our shared commitment consistently across the University. To download and update your signature, please visit the Email Headers and Signatures section on the brand webpage.

How do I find out more about the land I am on and the lands I visit?

Native Land Maps – Interact map that shows treaty, language, and territories over Turtle Island to explore the intersections and history of the land you are on.

Know the Land Territories Campaign Movement led by Laurier Students’ Public interest research Group (LSPIRG)

How to Do a Land Acknowledgment Teaching by Métis scholar Mitchell Huguenin, Indigenous Pedagogy Specialist, Trent University

Land Acknowledgement Queens University Office of Indigenous Initiatives Land Acknowledgment

Native Governance Center Video featuring panel on Land Acknowledgments

Welcome Video for Major Events

York University and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation have co-created a welcome video to be shared at major events hosted on York’s campuses.

Community members are encouraged to play this video at their major events as a companion to delivering the land acknowledgment.

For requests or inquiries, please contact indigenousinitiatives@yorku.ca at least five business days prior to your event.