A territorial or land acknowledgement is an act of reconciliation of the Indigenous people who called the land home before the arrival of settlers. 

This acknowledgement accounts for a history of forced separation from homes and communities and changes that severed ties with Indigenous Families and Cultures, leading to assimilation, abuse, and death. 

With this acknowledgement, we also have the opportunity to make a positive change in the reconciliation process, while we create an environment that respects and celebrates Indigenous Peoples and Cultures and their history on this land. 

As healthcare providers, we are responsible for actively planning for this positive change as we seek to remove barriers for Indigenous peoples accessing services. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, along with feedback from clients, families, and staff are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for Indigenous Peoples who enter our physical and virtual doors at TVCC. 

We want to acknowledge that TVCC covers many territorial lands with many unique First Nations Communities.  

The land we are situated on is the traditional territories of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenausaune, Lenaapeewak, and Attawandaron peoples. All of whom have longstanding relationships with the land of Southwestern Ontario.

Across local and regional TVCC communities, this includes the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames, and Munsee Delaware Nation. We also are on the territorial land of the Ojibway/Chippewa Nation, and parts of Grey County also include traditional territory for the Six Nations of the Grand River. This includes First Nations communities such as the People of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and the communities of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. 

Aamjiwnaang is formerly known as Chippewas of Sarnia and the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point, as well as Chatham-Kent neighbours the Lunaapeew at Delaware Nation and the unseeded territory of the Bkejwanong Walpole Island First Nation. 

TVCC values the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations and all of the Original Peoples of Turtle Island (Also known as North America).

With this acknowledgement, and in the spirit and truth of reconciliation, we pay our respects to the Indigenous and Metis ancestors of our areas and affirm our relationship with one another and with this land.