The Town of Milton consulted the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to develop land acknowledgements that are respectful, meaningful and inclusive.

Two versions have been developed for the purposes noted below to genuinely acknowledge the recognition of the lands.

Public Regular or Special Council Meeting Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land we gather on is part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

We recognize the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people.

We also acknowledge the First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who live on these lands today.

We commit to working towards reconciliation.

Civic Celebration or Town of Milton Event Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land we gather on is part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

We recognize the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people.

We also acknowledge the First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who live on these lands today.

We stand as allies with the First Nations as stewards of these lands.

Traditional land acknowledgements

A territorial acknowledgement starts with the land. It is about acknowledging the land we reside on and honouring the relationship between the land and the people living and thriving here long before settlers arrived. The acknowledgment offers an opportunity to pay respect to ancestral and traditional territories, be mindful of our collective role as stewards of the land; and build awareness of present-day First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture in our community.

Recognizing the territory, treaty and lands to which Milton’s resides serves to cultivate strong relationships with the First Nations, Inuit and Métis community, heighten Indigenous cultural awareness, recognize our role as stewards of Milton’s lands, and the Town’s commitment to reconciliation.

Background and context

First Nations were the original occupants of this land we call Ontario. Ontario is covered by 46 treaties and other agreements. Treaties define specific rights, benefits and obligations for the signatories that vary from treaty to treaty.

The Town of Milton resides on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. The majority of these lands are covered by the Ajetance Treaty No. 19 (1818) with a portion of land covered by the Head of the Lake, Treaty No. 14 (1806). Refer to the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation's map.

Use of the acknowledgements

Public Regular or Special Council Meeting Land Acknowledgement

The acknowledgement may be used by the Mayor or designate at the start of public meetings of council or special council. The acknowledgement may be printed, spoken, or projected.

Civic Celebration or Town of Milton Event Land Acknowledgement

The acknowledgement may be used by the Mayor or designate, and staff at the start of a civic celebration or a Town-led event. Examples include community events where the Mayor designate is providing remarks and facility, parks, trails or municipal building ground breaking or ribbon cutting events. The acknowledgement may be printed, spoken, or projected.

Practice 

For a territorial acknowledgment to be meaningful, it is important that it is delivered with a sense of purpose and authenticity.

The Town of Milton recognizes that various terms may be preferred over others, and that preferred terms can change over time. The Town’s practice will be to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in our community with the terms they wish to be identified.

Resources

For additional information, please visit the websites below.

For more information about the Town's traditional land acknowledgements please review the Council report on recognition of traditional lands.