Land Acknowledgement

I live and work in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on the traditional lands of the Anishinabek and the Metis, and the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850.

As a treaty-land inhabitant since 2015, I strive to deepen my understanding of the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples’ contribution to our heritage, social, cultural, spiritual and economic wealth, both in the past and in present day.

Throughout history and to this day, Indigenous peoples have been made invisible, both in Canada and other countries, including my homeland, in spite of its involvement in the colonization of Indigenous lands. From this untold (hi)story come many of the privileges I enjoy today, which include my ability to join in and start conversations in both official languages of Canada.

At the core of my work is my love for languages as connectors of cultures and peoples. Sometimes it means speaking up; other times, it means fostering an inclusive environment for others to speak up for themselves; most times, it means stepping back, quieting down, and listening up. Throughout one’s personal and professional life, it constantly means identifying which of these situations apply.

I will continue to strengthen relationships, attend events and seek resources on the many Indigenous nations of Canada and their story before and since the beginning of European settlements, and a portion of One of the Reids’ resources and revenues generated from Language services will be dedicated to these activities.

A special thank-you to Karen Bird for the knowledge and information shared during the webinar “Land Acknowledgements: More Than Just Ticking a Box” hosted by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in June 2024; and to Sandi Boucher, owner of Mishkwe Entreprises, for her work to educate non-Indigenous peoples on these topics, and for the guidance provided during the development of this Land Acknowledgement.