The Town of Innisfil is committed to advancing Truth and Reconciliation in relationship with Indigenous peoples and communities. In the spirit of embracing the principles of Truth and Reconciliation outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s final report, we adopted a land acknowledgment statement to:
- Recognize the First Nations whose traditional territories we live, work, and play on
- Honour Indigenous histories, cultures, knowledge, lands, and treaties
- Offer gratitude for Indigenous peoples, both in the past and the present, and their contributions to our communities
- Acknowledge that settlers’ presence on the land is part of a colonial history that has caused significant harm to Indigenous peoples and communities
- Reflect on our relationship and responsibility to the land and each other
On this page
Land Acknowledgment Statement
The Town of Innisfil acknowledges that Innisfil is situated on Treaty land that is steeped in rich Indigenous history. The Town also acknowledges that this land is the Traditional Territories of the First Peoples of Turtle Island. It is shared between the Anishinaabe peoples of Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation and we thank them for generations of stewardship.
This meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people and (as settlers) we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.
The Town acknowledges the forced sacrifices that are the foundation of Canadian society today. We are dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nation, Métis, and Inuit
Using the land acknowledgment
We use the land acknowledgment statement at the beginning of the Town’s council and public meetings, special events, celebrations, meetings with dignitaries, and other significant community events or gatherings as appropriate. The statement may be spoken, printed, or projected.
Standing together in mourning
In May 2021, the remains of 215 Indigenous children were uncovered in an unmarked mass grave outside the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Since then, the remains of hundreds of Indigenous children have been recovered from the grounds of Canada’s so-called "Indian Residential Schools" with thousands more expected to be uncovered.
Indian Residential Schools were government-funded and largely run by churches. They were designed to assimilate Indigenous children by destroying Indigenous cultures and languages. The last Indian Residential School closed in 1996. The discrimination, deprivation, abuse, and trauma that Indigenous children and families experienced in Canada’s residential school system has been labelled as cultural genocide by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
We stand in solidarity with the survivors, their families, and the communities who are mourning, grieving, and healing.
Learning resources
Learn more about land acknowledgments and Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.