Humber College recognizes the importance of land acknowledgements on June 21

A video acknowledgement was released in honour of Indigenous History Month and promoted as part of National Indigenous Peoples Day

By Chris Clay on
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June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada and it’s a day for Canadians to recognize the unique heritage, diverse cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

The video above was created by Humber to provide an opportunity to learn about the significance of acknowledging the land on which we are situated as a college and as individuals.

This video looks at land acknowledgements and addresses important questions about why they are given, what should be kept in mind when giving them, how to make them your own and the importance of giving them. Land acknowledgements also provide an opportunity for personal reflection and making the statement your own.  All members of the Humber community have a place and role in the important work ahead.

The video offers insights and thoughts from educators on the responsibility and considerations that come with giving land acknowledgements, including comments from Jason Seright, dean, Indigenous Education and Engagement at Humber College.  

Acknowledgements provide a powerful way of recognizing histories that reach beyond colonization and the establishment of the Canadian state and they increase awareness about the unique and enduring relationships that exist between Indigenous peoples and traditional territories. A land acknowledgement is an opportunity to learn about the Indigenous lands you are residing on and to honor the Indigenous peoples who have resided here for centuries.

Humber College has created an institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Framework and Strategy to address issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all facets of the college.

As an institution, Humber maintains a complex network of relationships with and obligations to Indigenous learners, families, and communities, both locally and globally.   

The Indigenous philosophy of Mino Nawendiwin, or good relationships, is woven throughout the EDI Framework and Strategy and commits Humber to actionable and measurable achievements. Accountability mechanisms have been braided throughout the institution, as well as within faculties and departments, to support the alignment of EDI initiatives and programs with Humber’s vision and values as they relate to EDI.