We wish to acknowledge the lands where we live, learn, work and organize hold the ancestral connections and stories of Indigenous peoples. As we all know, colonization has orchestrated the displacement of Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands which has hindered their ability to be in good relations with the land. Indigenous peoples are actively maintaining and strengthening their relationships with the land, which are grounded in respect, reciprocity, and resiliency.
The land our Brantford, Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge campuses are located on represents the unceded territory of the Neutral, Haudenosaunee (Ho-deh-no-show-nee) and Anishinaabe
(Ah-nish-nah-bay) peoples. The land was promised to the Haudenosaunee (Ho-de-no-show-nee) people of Six Nations, which includes six miles on each side of the Grand River, known as the Haldimand Tract. We also wish to acknowledge and recognize the lands our Stratford, Ingersoll, Guelph & our future campus in Milton are located on represent the ancestral and treaty lands of the Anishinaabe (Ah-nish-nah-bay) peoples.
Our acknowledgement of the land is our declaration of our collective responsibility to this place and its peoples’ history, rights, and presence. We extend our respect, friendship & solidarity to all Indigenous peoples for their past, present & future contributions to this land and our community, and in their past, present and future struggles.
We encourage you to learn about the traditional lands you are located both on campus and in your personal life by using the Whose Land App below!
CSI and Reconciliation
CSI is committed to paving the way to reconciliation, not just within our college but also throughout the region. We stand in solidarity with the 1.67 million Indigenous peoples across Canada, comprising First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
To facilitate an understanding of the complex and long-lasting relationship between settlers and the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, we have curated a comprehensive collection of resources. This webpage is a powerful tool for education and amplification, empowering our students to delve deeper into this vital knowledge.
Indigenous Circle Resources
Educational Resources
You can use the following information as a guide to Indigenous history in Canada throughout the years:
Community Supports
Are you an Indigenous student needing additional supports? Or a community member looking to get more involved? Check out this list of community resources to get involved with:
Indigenous Owned Businesses
Looking for a way to do more than just educate? Consider supporting an Indigenous Owned Business! Click the button below for the list that provides you with businesses both in Ontario and the rest of Canada — but don’t worry, most still have express shipping!
Funding Supports for Indigenous Students
Books, Films, and Documentaries
Click the button below to deepen your relationship and understanding of Indigenous peoples with this curated selection of content. From fiction to documentaries, you’ll be able to absorb different stories and histories from these communities.