On-The-Ground Toronto (OTGT) acknowledges that the sacred land in which we operate is situated upon the traditional territories of the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, The Chippewa, the Anishinabeg, and the Mississaugas of the Credit and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. This territory is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Anishinabeg and Haudenosaunee allied nations to peaceably share and care for the lands around the Great Lakes, and the Williams Treatiessigned with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. All Treaty Peoples were invited into these covenants in the spirit of respect, peace, and friendship. OTGT recognizes the ancestors who have hunted and gathered on this land known as Turtle Island. Many of us have come here as settlers, immigrants, and newcomers in this generation or generations past.
We are very mindful of broken covenants and, as grassroots outreach workers and supporters, are committed to work respectfully as allies within Indigenous communities and organizations on these lands. Further, we would like to acknowledge Indigenous outreach pioneers like Verna Johnston, a Nishnawbe Elder from Neyaashiinigmiing who moved to Toronto in 1972 and began providing safe housing and room rentals for young Indigenous students, and we honour the spaces and work of foundational organizations such as the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto and the Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto. OTGT recognises and honours the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and will always advocate for them to be fully realized.
