Published February 14, 2022 09:12

Land Acknowledgement

(wording is from the City of London)

We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Attawandaron, Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapeewak peoples who have longstanding relationships to the land, water and region of southwestern Ontario. The local First Nation communities of this area include Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames, and Munsee-Delaware Nation. Additionally, there is a growing urban Indigenous population who make the City of London home. We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations of Turtle Island (North America).

About the image

(from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada [CIRNAC])

Among the various visual elements illustrating Indigenous cultures, the sun (the summer solstice) is at the center which is at the heart of the festivities. The First Nations, Inuit and Métis as well as the four elements of nature (earth, water, fire and air) are represented in the image and shown opposite. The whole visual is supported by a multicolored smoke* reminding us of Indigenous spirituality but also the colors of the rainbow - symbol of inclusion and diversity of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and their members.

*Smoke is used in different ways by all three Indigenous groups in Canada. Whether it is to smoke fish and meat, to burn sage and tobacco or for sacred ceremonies or celebrations, it is a significant symbol in Indigenous cultures.

Description of the three icons

• Watch Alanis Obomsawin’s film “Jordan River Anderson: The Messenger” to learn about the life of Jordan River Anderson and how Jordan's Principle came to be. This film is available for free to watch. (National Film Board of Canada)
• First Nations Caring Society - check out their website for activities to learn about Spirit Bear, Have a Heart Day and more)
• Celebrate Indigenous Peoples in Canada: Learning Guide (CIRNAC)
• Learn more about National Indigenous History Month (CIRNAC)
• Read - Non-Indigenous people — here’s what you can do, right now (IndigiNews)
• Visit their website and read the list of ReconciliACTIONS (Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund)
• Content Warning: Some of the stories may be triggering to some listeners. A list of mental health support is available on the page - A Day to Listen - June 30th - Listen to the stories of Indigenous Peoples (Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund)
• Native-Land - an Interactive map to explore (Native Land Digital)
• Read CBC's 2021 article - 7 London-based Indigenous Artists to Listen to (CBC Music)
• Read CBC's article - 6 Indigenous artists you need to know in 2022 (CBC Music)
• Read all 94 Calls to Action - PDF document (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada)
• Beyond 94 - Check on the progress of the 94 calls to action from the TRC (CBC News)

Mental Wellness Support

For Indigenous Community Members:

• Atlohsa Family Healing Services - Call 1-800-605-7477 (24/7 crisis support)
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society at 1-800-721-0066 (24/7 Crisis Support)
• Hope for Wellness – Indigenous helpline: 1-855-242-3310 (online chat support available through their website) - Support is available in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut upon request.

Additional Mental Wellness Support for all:

• Call The Support Line - CMHA Elgin-Middlesex: 519-601-8055 or toll-free 1-844-360-8055.
• Kids Help Phone - text TALK to 686868, call them at 1-800-668-6868, chat with them online at www.KidsHelpPhone.ca (Adults can also text at WELLNESS to 741741)
• Kids Help Phone is now offering 24/7 support over the phone in Arabic.1-800-668-6868, press 3 to speak through an Arabic interpreter.
• Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone (Must be signed into Facebook to use this Messenger tool)
• Call or text Naseeha - Mental Health Youth Line at 1-866-627-3342 (available 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., every day including weekends)
• Muslim women can call NISA Helpline - 1-866-315 NISA (1-866-315-6472) (available 12 hours per day, 7 days per week.)
• Tandem: formerly Crisis Intake Team (CIT): call 519-433-0334 ( London and Middlesex), for 0-18 years and caregivers

Report Errors

Please contact Christina Yung, Executive Assistant, if any changes are required to this page. (E-mail cyung@bgclondon.ca or call 519-434-9115 ext. 241).

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