A few examples of organizations recognizing First Nations in public gatherings

WINNIPEG – Following Canada’s apology for residential schools and the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report on that chapter in the country’s history, many organizations, including the Winnipeg Jets, are acknowledging indigenous lands during public gatherings. Here are a few examples:

— Organizers of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics formally recognized the Games as being held on the traditional territory of four First Nations, who were partners in planning the event.

— Vancouver city council has passed a motion to acknowledge that the city sits on unceded territory of three First Nations and developed protocols to respect the territory in city business.

— Winnipeg city hall begins meetings with an acknowledgment of Treaty 1 and Metis territory.

— The 2015 Pan American Games open in Toronto under an agreement with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, which is recognized as the host First Nation.

— The Canadian Association of University Teachers has a guide to be used at conferences and meetings to acknowledge traditional territories across Canada.

— The Manitoba Teachers’ Society unveiled a plaque this month at its headquarters that acknowledges the traditional territory of several indigenous groups.

— Minister of Democratic Institutions Maryam Monsef repeatedly prefaces answers in the House of Commons by acknowledging the privilege of being on “traditional Algonquin territory.”