Land Acknowledgement

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As a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's (TRC) calls to action to recognize, make reparations and be accountable for the intergenerational harms caused to Indigenous peoples of this land, CTN embarked on a journey to draft a land acknowledgement. CTN’s land acknowledgment and guidelines, are part of our own work towards reconciliation and supports our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigeneity and accessibility (EDIIA).

Land acknowledgements are not new and existed for hundreds of years prior to the arrival of colonizers to Turtle Island. When Indigenous Peoples visited other territories, it was, and still is, customary to respect and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land. CTN wants to continue to honour this tradition and the land and to inspire others to support Indigenous communities.

The land on which CTN serves kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs and their families covers territories and regions that are the native homeland to the Wendake-Nionwentsio, Petun, Haudenosaunee, Anishinabewaki (Ojibwa), and the Mississauga Peoples. These territories are covered by several different treaties including the Penetanguishene Treaty 5 of 1798, Toronto Purchase Treaty 13 of 1805, Treaty 16 of 1815, Treaty 18 of 1818 and the Williams Treaties of 1923 (source: native-land.ca).

Our land acknowledgement was collectively created in the fall of 2019 when we hosted a corporate staff day with Jeff Monague. Jeff is the former Chief and elder of the Beausoleil First Nation on Christian Island as well as the park manager at Springwater Park, homeland to the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Jeff shared the history of the land, his connection to it and its significance to Indigenous Peoples, which supported the creation of our land acknowledgement.

CTN’s Land Acknowledgement:

This land acknowledgement is offered to recognize Indigenous peoples’ enduring connection to their traditional territories, to recognize the history of the land that is currently shared by many peoples, and to recognize stewardship as a shared responsibility of all those who reside in a territory.

We are dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nation, Métis and Inuit people. The regions we serve are home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.

Our land acknowledgement is a reminder that we are all responsible for responding to the calls for truth and reconciliation. As an important action towards learning about Indigenous peoples and their history and to demonstrate our collective commitment to reconciliation, CTN also follows practices to share our land acknowledgement at events, meetings and workshops.

EVENTS

CTN - Out and About for Teens: AAC - Simcoe & York

October 05, 2023

Join us for a social event series for youth ages 12 and up who use AAC in York Region and Simcoe County. This event will provide opportunities to connect with other AAC users and participate in fun activities!

The Centre For Dreams - Youth Achieving Dreams (Thursdays) - Markham

October 05, 2023

The Centre For Dreams is excited to annoce the implemenation of a brand new skills-based program specifically for your living with development disabilities.

SURVEY

As a parent/caregiver, I would like to learn more about:

Behaviour Regulation Strategies
Mental Health and Self-Care for Caregivers/Parents
Information Related to School or Special Education
Funding and Financial Planning Resources and Information for Kids and Youth with Disabilities
Transition Planning (school and adulthood)