Land Commitment and Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that we gather, organize, and build community on Indigenous land. Land stewarded since time immemorial by the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinabek/Anishinaabe, the Attiwonderonk, and the Mississauga Nation. Today, this land is governed by ongoing treaty relationships, including Treaty 2, Treaty 6, the Longwoods Treaty, and Treaty 29.
We honour the sovereignty of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Munsee-Delaware Nation, and Oneida Nation of the Thames, and recognize that these Nations continue to protect their cultures, communities, and lands despite generations of colonial harm.
We also honour the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Covenant, which teaches that all who share this territory have a responsibility to care for the land and water together. Taking only what we need, ensuring there is enough for future generations, and upholding relationships grounded in respect rather than domination. These teachings reflect the gender balance, gender diversity, and collective responsibility that existed here long before colonization imposed patriarchal systems that continue to harm Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse people.
Colonization disrupted these systems of reciprocity, responsibility, and gender sovereignty.
Today, Indigenous women are approximately three times more likely to experience violent victimization, and 60% have experienced physical or sexual assault. These realities are not accidents. They are the result of systemic racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia embedded in colonial structures.
Water injustice is part of this ongoing harm.
Communities such as Neskantaga First Nation, which has endured one of the longest boil-water advisories in Canadian history, continue to face violations of basic human rights. Even locally, Indigenous families experience water insecurity. A powerful reminder that there can be no gender equity without water sovereignty, land sovereignty, and the protection of Indigenous rights.
We acknowledge that the work of our organization takes place throughout Ontario, on the traditional territories of many Indigenous Nations under numerous historic treaties and agreements. We recognize the ongoing leadership, knowledge, and rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in this province.
As we carry out our work, we commit to strengthening our relationships with Indigenous communities, advancing reconciliation through action, and ensuring that our programs and advocacy reflect respect, accountability, and shared responsibility.
As the Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario and Rainbow Connections, we commit to:
Standing against gender-based violence and naming its colonial roots.
Supporting Indigenous-led healing and justice initiatives and listening when Indigenous communities tell us what they need.
Advocating for clean water, land protection, and environmental justice, recognizing these as essential to gender equity.
Creating safer, inclusive spaces for Indigenous youth — especially Two-Spirit and gender-diverse youth — to learn, lead, and thrive.
Challenging colonial systems that create inequities in housing, health care, education, policing, and child welfare.
Educating ourselves and our communities about truths deliberately excluded from mainstream narratives, including pre-colonial gender diversity, sovereignty, and balanced governance systems.
This acknowledgement is not a script — it is a commitment to action:
To honour the treaties and covenants.
To protect land and water.
To stand with Indigenous Peoples.
To pursue gender justice and community care.
To build relationships rooted in accountability, solidarity, and hope.