Indigenous

The University of Ottawa’s Indigenous Affirmation is a special acknowledgment of the Algonquin Nation on whose traditional territory the University sits. The Indigenous Affirmation is meant to promote a spirit of awareness of the relationships between peoples, and in this instance, the relationship between the University of Ottawa community and Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Historically, Indigenous people did not use land acknowledgements, but instead gave statements of greeting when entering someone else’s territory that recognized the hospitality shown to them, to honour the ancestors and living people who lived in and had cared for that place, and to acknowledge the ongoing relationship of people to their homeland. This affirmation was designed to honour that tradition.

The Indigenous Affirmation is intended to be read at the commencement of events, activities or talks by members of the uOttawa community. Repetition by each subsequent speaker is not necessary and may detract from the significance of the statement. 

Consultation was conducted with members of the Indigenous community, including elders, traditional knowledge keepers and the Indigenous Education Council. It has been approved by the University of Ottawa. Members of the University community are encouraged to use it at the start of events or ceremonies hosted on campus or online.

The Indigenous Affirmation focuses on the relationship between the University of Ottawa community and Indigenous peoples, while still acknowledging the Algonquin Nation and its historic and present connection to the land where the University of Ottawa is located.

While land acknowledgements do contain some or all of these elements, it was decided after consultation with the Indigenous Education Council, Indigenous student groups and members of the local Indigenous community that the emphasis should be placed on our commitment to the people.

The Indigenous Affirmation can be used to open any official uOttawa event on campus (or online).  It can also be included in course outlines.

The Indigenous Affirmation should be read by a member of the University of Ottawa community, ideally an individual involved with the planning, organizing, or hosting of an event. Members of the Algonquin Nation should not be asked to say the affirmation — it is the University’s responsibility to speak to the nature of being guests in this territory and to offer our desire for good relationships. 

Members of the Indigenous community may be invited to participate by offering opening remarks at the beginning of events, activities or conferences. If they are members of the Algonquin Nation, then they may be invited to share a territorial welcome if they feel comfortable with such a request. 

The spirit of the affirmation is meant to be reflective of relationships. We encourage people to share their own experiences, and to incorporate them into their own versions of the affirmation. However, we also ask that you do not stray too far from the original text or sentiment of the affirmation. This is the approved uOttawa statement.

Members of the University of Ottawa community are welcome to include the affirmation in their email signature. The use of the full version is acceptable, but a shortened version also exists.

The University acknowledges and respects that it stands on unceded Algonquin territory.