Land Acknowledgment
IMPORTANCE OF LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Land acknowledgements are strong declarations of respect and recognition of Indigenous peoples' history, culture, and continued existence on their ancestral lands. They are an essential step in promoting respect, understanding, and reconciliation; they are not only formalities. Recognising the land serves as a reminder of the close ties that Indigenous communities have to their ancestral homelands as well as the ongoing effects of colonial history on their way of life. These acknowledgements also function as a call to action, urging us to participate in substantive discussions and to lend our support to programs that advance Indigenous rights, justice, and cultural preservation. It's a means of pursuing a more inclusive and equitable future while paying respect to the past.
As settlers on this land, the HSS and Health Sciences Orinetation Committee would like to acknowledge the grounds on which we are privileged to gather in the pursuit of higher education. Queen’s University is situated on traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory. Today, this land continues to be the home of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, a significant Metis community, as well as First Peoples from other Nations across Turtle Island. This land was colonized through the Crawford Purchase deed in 1783, which consists of a vague claim with no official record or reports regarding the discussion between the Indigenous Peoples and British settlers. In return for the land, the communities received clothes, ammunition, and other supplies for hunting, all of which is a disproportionate outcome to the cultural genocide conducted by the Crown.
As Health Science students, we feel it is especially important to highlight the knowledge and practice of medicines that were once a natural part of everyone’s learning in the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee communities, but has been largely erased like many other traditions following colonization. Past and present colonial structures have further led to health disparities in Indigenous communities, perpetuating systemic issues that have harmful effects on health and wellbeing.
As future members of the workforce, it is our duty to shift away from solely interpretations of oppression, and instead choose to empower communities by learning about traditional healing practices and integrating this towards culturally safe healthcare practices. Below is our monthly spotlight of resources regarding indigeneity in healthcare, from scholarly articles about culturally-aware knowledge translation to short documentaries of communities healing from within. We urge you to take the time to look through these resources to learn more and understand what reconciliation looks like in healthcare, ultimately using your privilege to hold healthcare spaces accountable.
As Health Science students, we feel it is especially important to highlight the knowledge and practice of medicines that were once a natural part of everyone’s learning in the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee communities, but has been largely erased like many other traditions following colonization. Past and present colonial structures have further led to health disparities in Indigenous communities, perpetuating systemic issues that have harmful effects on health and wellbeing.
As future members of the workforce, it is our duty to shift away from solely interpretations of oppression, and instead choose to empower communities by learning about traditional healing practices and integrating this towards culturally safe healthcare practices. Below is our monthly spotlight of resources regarding indigeneity in healthcare, from scholarly articles about culturally-aware knowledge translation to short documentaries of communities healing from within. We urge you to take the time to look through these resources to learn more and understand what reconciliation looks like in healthcare, ultimately using your privilege to hold healthcare spaces accountable.
History, Cultural Context, and Contributions of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe Peoples
The Haudenosaunee: The Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora tribes are collectively referred to as the Haudenosaunee, often called the Iroquois Confederacy or the Six tribes. They are renowned for having an intricate political structure that shaped democratic norms all across the world. The Six Nations were unified under the Great Law of Peace, a constitution that placed a strong emphasis on fairness, peace, and shared responsibility. The Haudenosaunee people possessed a strong spiritual bond with the land and were proficient farmers, hunters, and fishers in the past. Traditions like the longhouse, wampum belts, and celebrations like the Green Corn Festival are all part of their rich culture. Between European settlers and other Indigenous tribes, the Haudenosaunee acted as middlemen and were essential in the fur trade. The Haudenosaunee have made a substantial impact on the political and social climate. Their form of government had an impact on the evolution of democratic norms, particularly American democracy. Their culture's emphasis on sustainable living and respect for the natural world provides important lessons for modern environmental management.
The Anishinaabe: The Anishinaabe people include the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi tribes, among others.They are renowned for their vivid artwork, extensive oral traditions, and close ties to the natural world. The harvest cycles of fish, wild rice, and maple syrup dictated the Anishinaabe's seasonal travel routes. Similar to the Midewiwin society, their governing systems place a strong emphasis on harmony, recovery, and the value of community. In addition to their musical and narrative contributions, the Anishinaabe are well-known for their powwows, which are important cultural events that are being celebrated today. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous societies have benefited greatly from the contributions of the Anishinaabe. They have provided essential knowledge about herbal remedies and sustainable practices. The Anishinaabe teachings on interconnectedness and respect for all living things provide important insights for fostering harmony and balance in contemporary life.
Robert Sutherland and Sutherland Hall
Robert Sutherland (1830 - 1878) was a groundbreaking figure in Canadian history. Born in Jamaica, he was the first Black graduate of Queen's University in 1852 and later the first Black lawyer in British North America. Sutherland's academic and legal achievements paved the way for subsequent Black professionals in Canada.
Sutherland Hall at Queen's University was named in his honour. Built in 1989, the hall was initially home to the university's School of Business. It has since been converted and now serves a variety of academic and administrative activities including the School of Policy Studies, the School of Urban and Regional Planning, the Industrial Relations Centre, the Centre for International and Defence Policy, and the Institute of Intergovernmental Relations. The building is a major element on Queen's University's campus, reflecting the institution's changing demands and progress over time.
Current Initiatives and Programs: How to Get Involved and Support Them
- Office of Indigenous Initiatives: This office supports Indigenous students, staff, and faculty while promoting a culturally inclusive campus environment. They provide a variety of programs, events, and support services.
- Indigenous Student Services: Offers academic, financial, and personal assistance to Indigenous students. This includes mentorship programs, tutoring, and cultural events.
- Four Direction Queens: Offers community spaces, cultural programming, and specialised support services to promote the achievement of Indigenous students and their cultural integration.
- How to get involved:
- Attend events and programs: Take part in the workshops and activities that these offices and organisations are hosting to gain knowledge and have insightful conversations on inclusion and equity. For updates on upcoming events, follow their social media accounts and check for announcements on the university’s official platforms.
- Volunteer or Join Committees/ clubs: Take into consideration volunteering for Yellow House, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, or other campus organisations. Joining committees or working groups focused on EDI can also be a way to contribute. For updates on hiring and culture wanted, follow their social media accounts and check for announcements on the university’s official platforms.
- Support Campus Initiatives: Promote and assist on-campus efforts pertaining to inclusion and equity. This may entail disseminating information, taking part in campaigns, or offering suggestions for improvements to university regulations.
- Visit the Space: Utilise the cultural and community spaces provided by initiatives such as Four Directions, the Outdoor Indigenous Gathering Space, and Kanonhweratónhtshera (Mohawk) | G’di-mikwanim (Anishinaabemowin) | The Welcoming Room. These spaces offer a welcoming environment for Indigenous students and are valuable resources for all members of the Queen’s community.
- Access Resources: Make use of the resources and support services that the institution offers. This includes, if necessary, pursuing academic support, counselling, or mentorship.
- For specific information on upcoming events or how to get involved, you can check the Queen’s University Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion website or visit the Yellow House’s website for details.
Queen's university resources Queen's University’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives: Explore Indigenous programs, services, and cultural events.Queen’s University Archives: Access historical information on Sutherland Hall.Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre: Find support for Indigenous students with academic, cultural, and personal resources.Yellow House Learn about student-led equity and inclusion initiatives.Indigenous spaces on campus: Discover Indigenous spaces and places at Queen's.
Indigenous Organizations and Websites: Haudenosaunee Confederacy: Visit their website.Anishinaabe Nation Explore their resources.National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Learn more about their work.