Understanding Territorial and Land Acknowledgements

The City of Kitchener respectfully recognizes the Traditional, Ancestral, and Unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples through meaningful Territorial Acknowledgements. Learn more about Territorial Acknowledgments. 

On this page: 

  1. What is a Territorial Acknowledgement? 

  2. Territorial Acknowledgment FAQs

  3. Tips for creating a Territorial Acknowledgement 

  4. City of Kitchener Territorial Acknowledgment examples

What is a Territorial Acknowledgement?

A Territorial Acknowledgement is a respectful statement that:

  • Recognizes the Traditional, Ancestral, and Unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples 

  • Affirms Indigenous sovereignty and stewardship of the land 

  • Highlights the ongoing presence, rights, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples today

FAQs

The terms Territorial Acknowledgement and Land Acknowledgement are often used interchangeably, however carry distinct meanings. 

Territorial Acknowledgements

  • Recognize the Traditional, Ancestral and Unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples

  • Centre Indigenous governance, land title and inherent rights

  • Are rooted in Indigenous Peoples’ connection to place

Land Acknowledgements

  • Emphasize the physical landscape and its significance

  • Often express gratitude for the opportunity to gather, work, or hold an event on the land

  • Highlight the relationship between the land and the activity taking place

  • To recognize and affirm the ongoing presence, rights and sovereignty of the original Stewards of the Land 
  • To understand the relationship that each of us has with the place we are – Encourage meaningful learning, relationship-building, and accountability 
  • To reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonialism and our responsibilities in Truth and Reconciliation 
  • Support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action

  • An event host, facilitator, speaker or chair 

  • A settler, to situate themselves on the traditional lands they are on and to reflect on their own relationship with the land and people who have been here since time immemorial

  • At the start of meetings, events, or gatherings 

  • In both virtual and in-person settings 

  • The City of Kitchener has developed four territorial acknowledgements to help get you started. You are welcome to use them, but it’s even more meaningful to personalize your words

  • You don’t need to be perfect. What matters most is sincerity, care, and a willingness to learn about the land you are on

Tips for writing a Territorial Acknowledgement

  • Take time to understand where you are and whose Traditional Territories you are on

  • Think about the audience you are speaking to and how to best reach them

  • Think about what message will be most meaningful in the moment

  • Reflect on your individual role towards Truth and Reconciliation, and your own relationship to this land

  • All Territorial Acknowledgements are different – and they should be

A Territorial Acknowledgement is a beginning, not an end. It should be paired with continued reflection, discussion, and meaningful action.

City of Kitchener Territorial Acknowledgement examples

The City of Kitchener is situated on the Traditional Territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. 

We honour the original Caretakers of this land and acknowledge their enduring relationships, rights, and responsibilities that continue today. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.

We acknowledge that the City of Kitchener is located on the Traditional Territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. This land has been home to Indigenous Nations since time immemorial and remains a place of enduring connection, stewardship, and sovereignty.

We recognize and honour the enduring presence and rights of Indigenous Peoples. As we live, work, and gather here, we commit to ongoing learning, reflection, and meaningful action in support of Truth and Reconciliation.

The City of Kitchener is situated on the Traditional Territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. As we reflect on our shared responsibilities and the ongoing impacts of colonialism, we commit to Truth and Reconciliation through learning, respect, and meaningful action.

The City of Kitchener is situated on the Traditional Territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. In recognizing their enduring presence, inherent rights, and stewardship, we commit to reconciliation through ongoing learning, authentic relationship-building, and actions that honour Indigenous Peoples and their responsibilities to this land.

Contact Us

City of Kitchener
200 King Street West,
Kitchener, Ontario
Telephone: 519-741-2345,
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
mailto:info@kitchener.ca