Three new land acknowledgements, developed by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, will guide how York University recognizes the territories its campuses occupy and are accompanied by new protocols and resources for community use.
As part of the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed by York University and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), the three acknowledgements are considered a meaningful gift to guide how the University recognizes and honours the caretakers of the lands on which its campuses are located.
“These statements reflect the spirit of relationship building that guided this work,” says Audrey Rochette, assistant vice-president of Indigenous Initiatives. “This gift from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations centres community voices and the history as they want it reflected. When you hear the phrase 'Nothing about us without us,' this is an example of that."
The new acknowledgements replace previous versions used to open events, meetings and gatherings, as well as those incorporated into written materials, learning environments and University communications.
The three versions – also available in French – include a statement for Keele and Glendon campuses, a second version for Markham Campus, a third statement representing all York locations across the Greater Toronto Area.
York community members are encouraged to begin using the new statements in all relevant University contexts, including updating email signatures for faculty and staff.
To help ensure consistent and appropriate use, Indigenous Initiatives and the Division of Equity, People & Culture have developed protocols and supporting materials that outline the purpose of the statements, identify who should deliver them and offer guidance on their application.
These resources are available on a new webpage that serves as a hub for all land acknowledgement materials. The site provides the full official land acknowledgments, pronunciation examples, usage guidelines, instructions for updating email signatures – also found on York's brand webpage – and additional information to support the community in understanding and incorporating the MCFN-authored wording into daily practice.
“Land acknowledgements are living documents. By using these new statements with care and intention, our community can now honour the work the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation invested in developing them,” says Parissa Safai, interim vice-president, Equity, People and Culture. “They reflect the partnership at the heart of our renewed MOU and our shared commitment to respectful engagement and stewardship of the territories upon which York is situated.”