We are all treaty people. 

I want to acknowledge that in Hamilton we are on the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas.  

This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which commemorates the relationship between the Anishinaabek and Haudenosaunee Confederacy. This Wampum holds Indigenous knowledge and offers teachings which each of us can reflect on - teachings that see the land as a dish to be shared and cared for to ensure ongoing sustenance and life.

This land is also covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

The Wampum and Treaty agreements require us to be mindful of what we take and what we give. Which to me is also guidance on how we participate and engage with one another. That we do so with the greater good in our hearts and minds.

Land acknowledgements are in part a reminder about the opportunity we have to go about our work with integrity and commitment to the Wampum and treaties. To acknowledge what was here before us, what is here with us now, and to put in our honest and best effort forward to ensure the sacred life, land, air, water and medicines remain for future generations to enjoy and benefit from. 

Further, in my role as a City Councillor, I am committed to advancing the implementation of the City’s Urban Indigenous Strategy which responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (2015) and the voices of local Indigenous community members. I also honour the Calls for Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Sprit people in my elected role and condemn gender and racially-motivated violence. I do this work humbly and in a way that honours building trusting relationships with Indigenous communities to address the unique needs and issues of Indigenous people in partnership.