Acknowledgement of Traditional Lands

Centennial is proud to be a part of a rich history of education in this province and city. We acknowledge that we are on the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and pay tribute to their legacy and the legacy of all First Peoples of Canada as we strengthen ties with the communities we serve and build the future through learning and through our graduates. Today, the traditional meeting place of Toronto is still home to many Indigenous People from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work in the communities that have grown in the treaty lands of the Mississaugas. We acknowledge that we are all treaty people and accept our responsibility to honour all our relations.

FROM THE COORDINATOR:

The Land Acknowledgement means different things to different people.     For me it is important to recognize that History is always written by the dominant culture.  This is not necessarily good or bad but simply the way it was.   However, Colonialists  wrote history from their perspective.

The fact is that there was a culture already here  that was very advanced in many ways.  First Nations people lived in harmony with the land, had social structure and governance.

They also maintained an oral tradition which became problematic when the use of their native languages were banned and the genocide they experienced when they were exposed to things like disease bounties and the Residential Schools.

Today as a part of the dominant culture I have the benefit of prosperity, physical safety and education.  I have had time to think and educate my children.

I believe that what I now know is now at odds with my social conscience – hence the desire to have some form of reconciliation.

I hope that these comments may pave the way to a broader conversation, recognition and acknowledgement of the true history of our country and the roles played by all parties.