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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: Marieval Indian Residential School burial site

Candlelight vigil

Today we learned about the appalling discovery of 751 unmarked graves near the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan. This is another painful and shameful reminder of the long road ahead as we take crucial steps forward towards reconciliation. Ontario Tech University supports all efforts to unearth these horrors and more accurately account a cruel history.

To honour these Indigenous children, and the survivors and their families, we will lower the university’s flags as a reminder of these devastating acts.

We know this news is distressing and many may experience difficulties, so we remind everyone to reach out to one another. The university and the Indigenous community have many supports available and we encourage you to reach out to them as needed.

  • The Indigenous Cultural Advisor for traditional counselling supports for students. 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.

Additional supports for students:

Additional supports for faculty and staff:

The Ontario Tech community is committed to listening to the voices of Indigenous Peoples as we continue to work towards implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation report, and addressing the systemic barriers facing all Indigenous Peoples.