Convocation 2017: a territorial acknowledgment
The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation are the custodians of the lands and waters on which Concordia is located. | Image by Teyowisonte Tommy Deer. Courtesy of the Initiative for Indigenous Futures/Aboriginal Territories in Cyberspace.
This spring, convocation ceremonies at Concordia will include a new component — a public acknowledgment that the university sits on unceded Indigenous lands.
Developed by the Indigenous Directions Leadership Group, the territorial acknowledgment is in keeping with Concordia’s responsiveness to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
It’s a living text, subject to changes in wording as the university continues to develop the most respectful and appropriate context for its usage.
At convocation, the territorial acknowledgement will be read as follows:
“We would like to begin by acknowledging that Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands.
The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation are recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today.
Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples.
We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.”
A senior Concordia official will read the territorial acknowledgement at the beginning of each convocation ceremony.
Explore Concordia's new Indigenous Directions hub. The Indigenous Directions Leadership Group will soon post an FAQ to help guide people in the appropriate use of the territorial acknowledgement.
