I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional Algonquin land and this clinic is situated on and recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples on this land.

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is situated on the traditional land of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. The College’s office is in the “Dish With One Spoon Territory”, which is a treaty between the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas and Haudenosaunee that bound them to share the area and protect the land in the spirit of community. We acknowledge the history of the meeting place on which we are gathered, and are grateful to have the opportunity to live and work on this land.

Today, the province of Ontario is home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Each nation is unique in their world views, language and histories, and we gather here in the spirit of openness, with a commitment to continue to recognize and reflect upon the important work ahead. We ask you to join us in honoring this history and in moving forward in partnership and collaboration as we learn and unlearn together.

Through its new Strategic Plan, College Council has indicated its commitment to moving
forward on the challenging and very important issues of diversity, equity and inclusion as they relate to the College’s regulatory role. This overarching priority encompasses anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, and other forms of systemic oppression which disproportionately affect racialized communities.

Within this priority, the College has made a commitment to developing partnerships with
Indigenous communities in order to begin to implement the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission of Canada’s calls to action within the regulatory context.

In doing so, we recognize that Reconciliation is an ongoing individual and collective process.

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