Traditional Territories Acknowledgements

A Traditional Territory Acknowledgement is a reflection and expression of gratitude that recognizes the Indigenous land we occupy as a community, while promoting a shared commitment to understanding historical events that have led us to the present day.

The University of Manitoba Traditional Territories Acknowledgement

The University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. Sharing this acknowledgement publicly is also an opportunity for the UM community to increase its awareness of Indigenous history and perspectives.

While a general Territory Acknowledgement has been written and is available below, members of the UM community are encouraged to personalize their acknowledgement and share their gratitude in a manner that honours their own reflections. Explore some thought starters in the resources section.

For guidance on how to include a territory acknowledgement in your event, please contact the Director of Cultural Integration at Indigenous.Culture@umanitoba.ca

The University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

UM recognizes that the Treaties signed on these lands are a lifelong, enduring relationship, and we are dedicated to upholding their spirit and intent. We acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and the present. With this understanding, we commit to supporting Indigenous excellence through active Reconciliation, meaningful change, and the creation of an environment where everyone can thrive. Our collaboration with Indigenous communities is grounded in respect and reciprocity and this guides how we move forward as an institution.

Territory Acknowledgement Statement Workshops

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  • If you’re looking for guidance on including a territory acknowledgement in your event, creating your own or learning more about territory acknowledgements in general, join Christine Cyr, Associate Vice-President (Indigenous) of Students, Community and Cultural Integration and Vanessa Lillie, Director of Cultural Integration, for a 60-minute session. 

    These sessions include the history of the territory acknowledgement at UM, current controversies around territory acknowledgements and points for consideration when creating your own. 

    Visit the UM Indigenous Events Calendar for workshop dates and details

Resources

When you're ready to write your own Traditional Territories Acknowledgement for yourself or for your department or faculty, the following resources are available for additional information and to provide assistance with pronunciation.

For UM events and presentations where an acknowledgement is appropriate, UM community members are encouraged to craft their own personalized, unique and authentic Territories Acknowledgement.

Browse the following thought starters to help you find inspiration in developing your own statement.

Thought starters

  • We are dedicated to ensuring that the Treaties signed on these lands are honoured and to advancing Reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Turtle Island.
  • Our community is nourished by water sourced from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation in Treaty 3 Territory and receives most of its hydroelectric power from Treaty 5 Territory, including the Nelson and Winnipeg rivers. The communities living within these Territories have been and continue to be impacted by colonization. As we benefit from these resources, we commit to working towards a more just and equitable future with Indigenous peoples. 
  • We offer this Acknowledgment to foster a sense of responsibility within our community to learn about the diverse histories and cultures of this land’s true ancestors, as well as the past and ongoing harms done to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. We are grateful to work with partners on our journey to Reconciliation, addressing systemic biases, policies, and practices to build a more inclusive future.
  • We recognize that colonial ways of being and doing have caused and continue to cause harm for generations and thank First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities for their guidance as we make meaningful change towards Reconciliation.
  • We acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and commit to addressing the injustices and barriers that persist today.
  • Working together with Indigenous communities in collaboration, respect and reciprocity, guides our work, priorities and decisions.