What has this got to do with me? I’m not Indigenous. Territorial Acknowledgements 101

Tuesday, Oct 29, 2019

1:30pm - 3:30pm

Lecture by:
Lori Campbell

The city of Waterloo is situated on lands that are deeply connected to Indigenous peoples who have historically lived and currently live in this territory. These groups include the Neutral (Attawandaron), Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our region is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations, also known as the Haudenosaunee people. This land includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

Acknowledging territory shows recognition of and respect for Indigenous peoples, which is key to reconciliation. It shows acknowledgment that the lands now known as Canada had inhabitants prior to European arrival and also that there is and has always been a continued presence. For Indigenous peoples, it is a matter of protocol – a sign of respect – to always acknowledge the hosts when you visit. But what has it got to do with residents in KW, especially if they aren’t Indigenous? This presentation will explore the deeper meaning and reveal whether or not there is any relevance to the KW community.

About The Lecturer

Lori Campbell

Lori Campbell is nēhiyaw āpihtākosisān (Cree-Métis), originally from Treaty 6 territory in northern Saskatchewan. She is an intergenerational survivor of the Indian Residential School system and a child from the Sixties Scoop generation. Lori is proud to say that over the last 25 years she has managed to locate and contact not only her birth mom, but all 6 of her living siblings – scattered across three provinces in what is currently known as Canada. Her life experiences have contributed not only to her understanding of Indigenous issues, but also to her passion for education. Lori holds two undergraduate degrees (Indigenous Studies and Psychology), a master’s degree in Adult Education and is currently working towards a PhD in Social Justice Education through the University of Toronto. Currently, she holds the position of Director, Shatitsirótha’ Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre and looks after the Indigenous Studies academic programming at St. Paul’s University College.