Askīyiwimamīhcītotamowin

Here at Lakeland College, we acknowledge that the land we gather on is the traditional homeland, hunting, and ceremonial gathering places of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit. The Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux people have practiced their culture and languages on Treaty 6 and Métis Region 2 territories for generations and were the original caretakers of this land. Many First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples call this land home today and have done so for millennia. We would like to acknowledge the history we have created together on this land, and to be thankful for the opportunity to walk together side-by-side in friendship, learning from our past, and promoting positive relationships for the past, present and future.

Three members of our Indigenous Student Committee created this land acknowledgement for Lakeland College. Kiera Comeau, Samantha O’Reilly and  Ryan Powder wrote the askīyiwimamīhcītotamowin. The English translation of this Cree concept is the act of acknowledging the earth (land). It was unveiled on April 6, 2022.