Land Acknowledgment
We respectfully acknowledge that the Halls Island Artist Residency is situated in the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations and also within the traditional, unceded territories of the Algonquin Nation. This area now known to us as the Haliburton Highlands, has always been called, "Gidaaki", by the Anishinaabe.
We respectfully acknowledge that the Williams Treaties First Nations and the Algonquin Nation are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity, and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come. We also recognize the contributions of Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening our province and country as a whole.
The intent and spirit of the treaties that form the legal basis of Canada bind us to share the land “for as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow.”
This recognition of the contributions and historic importance of Indigenous peoples must also be clearly and overtly connected to our collective commitment to make the promise and the challenge of Truth and Reconciliation real in our communities, and in particular to bring justice for murdered and missing indigenous women and girls across our country.