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Indigenous Initiatives
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Policies and Protocols 

The University in its efforts to embed Indigenous peoples’ rights and its efforts towards reconciliation with Indigenous people has established a number of policies and protocols. Policies and procedures are official rules of the University. Protocols vary across Indigenous cultures and are not necessarily rules.

These are often principled approaches for respectful, cross-cultural interactions, and are rooted in practices since time immemorial. Observing and acknowledging protocols are one way members of the University community can establish respectful dialogue and relationships with Indigenous people, communities and organizations. 

Land Acknowledgements 

We recognize that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships with the territories upon which York University campuses are located that precede the establishment of York University. York University acknowledges its presence on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations.  

The area known as Tkaronto has been care taken by the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Huron-Wendat. It is now home to many First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities. We acknowledge the current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is subject of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement to peaceably share and care for the Great Lakes region. 

As this event is virtual and we are not all gathered in the same space, I recognize that this land acknowledgement might not be for the territory that you are currently on. I/We ask that if this is the case, you take the responsibility to acknowledge the traditional territory you are on and the current treaty holders. 

As a member of the York University community, I recognize that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships with the territories upon which York University campuses are located that precede the establishment of York University. York University acknowledges its presence on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations. 

The area known as Tkaronto has been care taken by the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Huron-Wendat. It is now home to many First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities. We acknowledge the current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is subject of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement to peaceably share and care for the Great Lakes region. 

York University recognizes that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships with the territories upon which its campuses are located. We acknowledge that our Markham Campus is situated upon traditional territories of the Anishinaabe Peoples and of the Haudenosaunee Peoples. These territories are covered by the Upper Canada Treaties. The First Nations community in closest proximity to the City of Markham are the Chippewas of Georgina Island.  

As this event is virtual and we are not all gathered in the same space, I recognize that this land acknowledgement might not be for the territory that you are currently on. I/We ask that if this is the case, you take the responsibility to acknowledge the traditional territory you are on and the current treaty holders. 

York University recognizes that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships with the territories upon which its campuses are located. We acknowledge that our Markham Campus is situated upon traditional territories of the Anishinaabe Peoples and of the Haudenosaunee Peoples. These territories are covered by the Upper Canada Treaties. The First Nations community in closest proximity to the City of Markham are the Chippewas of Georgina Island.  

Smudging and Pipe Ceremony Policy & Procedures 

Learn more about the University’s policy and procedures for Smudging and Pipe Ceremony. 

Guidelines for Acknowledging Indigenous Peoples at York University Events and Ceremonies 

The university community is encouraged to make acknowledgements to the host Nations and their traditional lands at the beginning of ceremonies and events. Learn More