Land Acknowledgement

As we gather here today on these treaty lands, we acknowledge the past stewards of this territory, including the Anishinaabek, Attawandaron, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Huron-Wendat, the Metis, and we thank and recognize the Mississaugas of the Credit as the current stewards of this traditional territory.

We acknowledge that the Oakville electoral district exists within the boundaries designated by the Head of the Lake Treaty, No. 14 of 1806 and the 12 Mile Creek, 16 Mile Creek Treaty, No. 22 of 1820 between the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Crown.

This territory is subject to the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement to peaceably share and care for the Great Lakes region. In the oral tradition we understand that under this agreement we are to only take from the “Dish” what we need for today; always leaving something in the “Dish” for others; keeping the “Dish” tidy and clean for the sake of future generations.

We hope our political activities can help us live up to this agreement so that we may honour and respect the four directions, lands, waters, plants, animals and ancestors that walked before us.

Miigwetch.