As someone who is a descendent of European settlers, it is important for me to recognize the sacred lands on which I live and work. I share this land acknowledgement as an act and commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous people who continue to face disproportional injustices to access to equitable healthcare in mental health, trauma support, and medical settings across Turtle Island. I believe as healthcare providers and non-Indigenous practitioners, we have a duty to learn about Indigenous needs and collectively strive to close the gaps in care. Together, we can strive to dismantle colonialization and oppression biases that continue to detrimentally impact Indigenous health and wellbeing.

I live and work on land referred to as Toronto, which has been a site of human activity for over 15,000 years. It is the territory of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. The territory is the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and the Anishinaabe and allied nations to care for and to share peaceably the resources around the Great Lakes. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 and the Williams Treaties, and is also home to the Metis Nation of Ontario, Region 8. This land is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and I am grateful to have the opportunity to live and work in the community, on this territory.

It is important for me to also acknowledge the traditional lands of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy (including Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). These lands are also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3. This land, also known as Southern Alberta, is where I was honoured to serve Indigenous communities and was trusted with Indigenous knowledge and care for those communities. I am grateful to the Indigenous people of Treaty 7 for allowing me this opportunity, and will forever remember my connection to that land.