My self-location and acknowlegement statement:
- I would like to acknowledge that I am a visitor on the traditional and unceded lands of the Coast Salish peoples. My ancestors came from England, Scotland and Ireland seeking better lives. I thank, in particular, the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsleil-Waututh), Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish), and S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō) peoples for the opportunity to live, work and play on their traditional lands.
- Here at Langara College we are honoured to have been gifted the name snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ meaning ‘house of teachings’ by the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) people.
- And, as a member of Langara Library's Intercultural Working Group I hope to learn about and work to strengthen the connections between the Musqueam people and the multi-cultural staff and students at the library.
My reasoning:
First, I tried to situate myself, as a visitor and where I come from, on the traditional lands; Second, I acknowledged the gift of the Musqueam name for Langara College where I work; and Third, I am trying to articulate my intention as a member of the recently-created Intercultural Working Group at Langara Library. I think this acknowledgement could be shortened/lengthened depending on circumstance.
I found the additional following sources helpful:
- Cultural Teachings: Welcome to Territory & Land Acknowledgements (from Reconciliation Canada)
- Territory Acknowledgement for Vancouver, BC (from Native-Land.ca)