Land Acknowledgement & Reconciliation

Kingsville recognizes past and ongoing passivity towards meaningful actions to honour Indigenous history and culture and acknowledges the country’s colonial relationship with diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Kingsville is committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action.

Indigenous History and Culture

As we seek reconciliation, we know that it is not ours to earn through a set of steps, but rather a continuing process that requires consistent listening, action, and growth.

Continuous Learning

It is essential for Canadians to continuously make an effort to support the indigenous individuals in our community by continuously learning. It is our responsibility to continuously learn about the past, and present experiences of indigenous communities and how we as Canadians can make a difference. See Indigenous Solidarity guidelines from the OFL Aboriginal Circle.

The Meaning of the Word "Indigenous"

This is a very short video for kids explaining the meaning of the word Indigenous and the various diverse Indigenous communities across Canada.

What Reconciliation Means

Watch this Ted Talk by Ginger Gosnell-Myers, an Indigenous individual of Nisga’a and Kwakwaka’wakw heritage. She explains what reconciliation means to her and presents her work focused on removing barriers between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians while fostering cooperation through open communication.

How can you Help?

How can you help? Many Canadians have this question when it comes to learning about issues Indigenous communities face today. In this short video by Eddy Robinson, an educator on Indigenous issues, he explains what non-Indigenous Canadians can do to help.

Traditions of the Métis Nation

The following article from the Métis Nation of Ontario explains the infinity symbol used to represent the Metis individuals. The article also outlines some of the traditions of the Metis Nation and the importance of their preservation today.

Why non-Indigenous Canadians Should Learn About Treaties 

In this video, teacher candidates from the Queen’s University Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) discuss why non-Indigenous Canadians should learn about treaties, and what teachers can do to help work toward reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada.

The Significance of Ceremonies and Ceremonial Traditions

This is an excerpt from Aboriginal Perspectives, it outlines the significance of various ceremonies and ceremonial traditions in the various cultures of First Nations communities. It also explains some of the similarities and differences between various Indigenous groups in regards to the kinds of ceremonies and traditions they practice.

The Importance of Art in Indigenous Communities

This is also an excerpt from Aboriginal Perspectives, which outlines the importance of art in many Indigenous communities. Art is essential for the preservation and transmission of culture and knowledge from one generation to the next. The article also explains various symbols commonly used in Indigenous art and how they reflect spirituality and relationship with the environment.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

We acknowledge the Three Fires Confederacy (Ojibwe, Potawatomie and Odawa) and the Traditional ancestral, unceded territory of Caldwell First Nation; the original people of Point Pelee, Pelee Island and its surrounding waters. We recognize and respect the First Nations who are stewards of the land and waters of Turtle Island and who have embraced this stewardship since time immemorial. We would also like to acknowledge all the moccasins who have walked the lands of Turtle Island.