LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the Next-Generation Cities Institute, acknowledge that our working spaces are located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we are operating today. Tiohtià:ke, commonly known as Montréal, is the home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples representing different cultures, languages, and worldviews. This vibrant urban environment is our home, where we all live, work, and hope the best for our future. 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 key focus of the Next-Generation Cities Institute is on the challenges of our century, which demand human- and environmental-centred transdisciplinary and holistic urban concepts. We are aware that communities play an essential role in every aspect of our lives. True collaboration, co-creation, and participation aim to include all affected stakeholders and give them a voice in shaping the urban future. Historically, settler societies have neglected and attempted to erase and assimilate Indigenous cultures and identities through colonial frameworks. Until today, Indigenous communities continue to be excluded and under-represented in the planning and development of modern cities. Thus, it is crucial to include and actively engage with Indigenous voices, traditions, knowledge systems and practices to challenge the legacies of colonialism while fostering inclusive, ecological, and culturally vibrant spaces within our cities. Therefore, we affirm our commitment to engaging with and highlighting Indigenous and other stakeholder perspectives to develop a holistic vision of resilient, nature-based, next-generation cities, which are livable, sustainable, human-and environment centric, and socially just.

Having a sense of community unites us. As Next-Generation Cities Institute and Concordians, we believe that inclusive Next-Generation Cities can give us opportunities to connect with people, reach for our goals, and feel safe and secure in our future urban environment.