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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Community message: Kamloops Indian Residential School burial site

University lowers flags for 215 hours, an hour for each child

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The recent news of the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school is heartbreaking. It’s a tragic reminder of the terrible and reprehensible legacy of residential schools and the shameful acts that occurred.

In honour of these 215 children and all Indigenous children who never made it home, the survivors and their families, we will lower the university’s flags for 215 hours (May 31 to June 8). We also invite faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members to join Reconciliation Canada’s online gathering on June 1 from noon to 1:30 p.m. ET.

While this news may be shocking, the extent of the poor treatment of Indigenous Peoples is a raw scar that is difficult to heal. We must commit ourselves as an institution and a society to implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation report and address the systemic barriers facing all Indigenous peoples.

We understand that this news may be traumatic for some. If you’re in need of support, please contact:

  • The Indigenous Counsellor Advisor for traditional counselling supports. Contact Indigenous@ontariotechu.ca to make an appointment
  • The Indian Residential School Survivors Society Emergency Crisis Line at 1.800.721.0066
  • 24-Hour Crisis Line at 1.866.925.4419