Land Acknowledgement

The Township of Springwater is proud to formally release the Official Land Acknowledgement, passed by Council in May 2023.

Short Form Land Acknowledgement

The Township of Springwater acknowledges that the land on which we gather today is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek (a-nish-i-na-beck) Nation, which includes the Ojibwe (o-jib-way), Odawa (o-dah-wa), and Pottawatomi (pot-a-wa-tom-ee) Nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy, the Ouendat (WENdatt) and the Haudenesaunee (ho-deen-nohSHAW-nee). The Township of Springwater is dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and is committed to coming together to learn, heal and create future prosperity, respect and understanding in our community.

Long Form Land Acknowledgement

The Township of Springwater acknowledges the Indigenous Peoples who are the original stewards of these lands we are located on today.

We acknowledge that the Township of Springwater is located within the boundaries of the Williams Treaty, Lake Simcoe Purchase, The James Collins Purchase and the Nottawasaga Purchase and acknowledges the Anishinaabek (a-nish-i-na-beck) Nation, which includes the Ojibwe (o-jib-way), Odawa (o-dahwa), and Pottawatomi (pot-a-wa-tom-ee) Nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy, the Ouendat (WENdatt) and the Haudenesaunee (hodeen-noh-SHAW-nee) people. We especially acknowledge the Chippewa’s of Beausoleil First Nation, Rama First Nation and Georgian Island who were the last stewards of the lands in and around Springwater. The Township of Springwater also recognizes that it is the home to many citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario and to a large and diverse community of Indigenous peoples.

The Township of Springwater is dedicated to honouring our Indigenous history and culture and is committed to coming together to learn, heal and create future prosperity, respect and understanding in our community. We recognize the contributions made by Canada’s First Nations and their historic connection to these lands.

What is a Land Acknowledgement?

A Land Acknowledgement is a statement recognizing and respecting Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) defines land acknowledgements as an act of reconciliation and respect that involves making a statement recognizing the traditional territory of the Indigenous people who called the land home before the arrival of settlers, and in many cases, who still call it home today. Implementing the use of a Land Acknowledgement Statement represents a step-in support of the reconciliation process and is an opportunity to educate the public on the significance of the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and their territories and recognizing the history and presence of Indigenous Peoples on the lands

Using the Land Acknowledgement

The Township of Springwater adopted a Land Acknowledgement Policy that guides the Township on when the land acknowledgement will be utilized and re-affirm the Township’s commitment to reconciliation. The Township uses the land acknowledgement statement at special events including flag raising and lowering events, celebrations, meetings with dignitaries and other significant community events or gatherings.

Important Dates

May 5 - "Red Dress Day" is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People
June 21 - National Indigenous Peoples Day
September 30 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
June of each year - The month of June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada

Resources

Ontario First Nations Maps | ontario.ca
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Canada.ca
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports
Native-Land.ca | Our home on native land
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Indigenous Canada | Coursera
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)