“With deep reverence for these sacred lands, I acknowledge that I live, work, and play on Robinson-Huron Treaty territory, the traditional lands of the Anishnaabeg, specifically Garden River First Nation and Batchewana First Nation, as well as the Métis People. Together, may we acknowledge, honour, and offer deep gratitude and respect to the people, plant, animal, and land spirits who knew this land we call home, Baawaating, long before us, and who will continue to long after. Please be welcome to take a deep breath in stillness, acknowledging the lands on which you are situated, as well as any and all other nations of first people and true keepers of this land who we may not know the name of today, but invite the opportunity to learn. May we be further invited to extend our land acknowledgements into land engagements, supporting and restoring these lands through responsible citizenship, sacred stewardship, partnership, and advocacy for various movements, including landback motions. Finally, in acknowledging these lands, may we hold space for the collective suffering we continue to witness from colonial violence, colonization, genocide, and oppressive systems still present and active in the world. This includes, but is not limited to, Palestine and its Occupied Territories, Sudan, Congo, Syria, and many more. We also bear witness to the ramifications of colonization, including discriminatory practices, exploitive uses of technology, ecocide, gender-based violence (especially in war zones), the military complex, and the border industrial complex. May our acknowledgements invite us to contribute to transformation and re-worlding. ” — Vanessa Ferlaino

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