My name is Sybil Anne Harrison. My parents are Robin Harrison and Maureen Drury. My father’s parents Charles and Violet left England and chose Ktunaxa and Kinbasket territory (Cranbrook) as the place they wanted to raise their family. My maternal grandfather James Drury emigrated from Ireland to England with his parents, and met my grandmother Annie Greenwood in Warrington England. My mom also chose Canada, and met my father in Cranbrook. I was born in Nelson on Sinixt, Ktunaxa and Syilx territory, lived on Shxw’owhamel territory near Hope and call White Rock on Semiahmoo territory home. As a family of wanderers we are grateful that we have always been welcomed on the territories we have chosen to live.
I’ve been living on the territories of Lkwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ people for 12 years. With respect and gratitude, I acknowledge those who have welcomed me and my family to their beautiful and bountiful lands.
This exercise was very helpful to me to reflect on my practice of aknowleding territory. I think it's important to consider the context of the event, and who is present. Being specific about the lands and the people of where we are situated is at the core, but I always try to include something about the day, what the intention of the gathering is, why this group of people have come together. I don't want my acknowledgement to be simply a standard phrase or set of words--but an living and authentic expression of my gratitude and respect.