Land Acknowledgement for kids

Every Morning we give thanks for the land we are learning and growing on. We acknowledge the original people of this land and acknowledge that we are visitors on this land. We give thanks for all the opportunities this allows us (school, hospital, police, clean water, swimming/music lessons, parks, bowling, movie theatre, laser tag, camping, candy shop...). We learn the importance of nurturing relationships with the Indigenous communities in our area and how to build those relationships. We understand that they carry important knowledge specific to this land and we should learn from their teachings.

At Opening Circle we pass around our coloured Land Acknowledgement (Below) and each of us takes turns reading the parts. Many of our students have the land acknowledgement memorized and have even shared it with their other community groups. Our students show pride in knowing this important information.

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Children passing our talking stick at Morning Circle to take turns sharing with the group. (2021)

Student thoughts on Land acknowledgement:

"We acknowledge that we are allowed by the Anishinaabeg to be on this land." - Max, Indigenous student (age 10)

"To give thanks to the Anishinaabe for the privilege of being here." Ally Student, (age 8)

"Sometimes this land is called Turtle Island." - Bear, Indigenous student (Age 5)

Nogojiwanong Land Acknowledgement

Sage and Sunshine School is located in Nogojiwanong "place at the end of the rapids" on Treaty 20 Anishinaabeg Michi Saagiig Territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as The Williams Treaties. Our presence here connects us to Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. With that, we have a responsibility to nurture respectful relationships with these communities, their peoples, teachings, ceremonies, language, and traditions. We acknowledge their ancestors who have lived on this land since time immemorial as well as their future generations. They are the original caretakers of this land and carry so much wisdom to learn from. We acknowledge that we are learning, working, and growing on this unceded land and give many thanks for the opportunities this privilege provides us.

Miigwech Miigwech, Miigwech