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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.

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Ontario Tech honours National Indigenous History Month

Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre at Ontario Tech University's downtown Oshawa campus location.
Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre at Ontario Tech University's downtown Oshawa campus location.

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour the diverse heritages, languages, cultural practices, and worldview of the First Peoples of this land, and acknowledge their historic contributions to the development of Canada. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, held annually on June 21.

Ontario Tech University celebrates First Nations, Inuit, Métis peoples, and in particular, the people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, on whose traditional land the university is situated.

The university recognizes that we must understand the historic relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canada so that we may take the necessary actions to build a kinder society that is respectful of and informed about Indigenous culture and issues.

As we look to the future, we know that we can only move forward together, with a relationship based on respect, partnership, and affirmation of rights. By doing so, we help create a stronger community.

Participate in National Indigenous History Month

Literature collection for the Campus Libraries

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