Land Acknowledgement

Preamble
Respect for and recognition of the rights and land of the first Nations people shall be demonstrated at all general meetings and events of the Toronto Metropolitan Association of Part-time Students. This will be done by acknowledging the space on which such events occur as being the traditional land and the need to respect, honour and maintain that land for at least the next seven generations.

Statement
A statement such as the following should be said aloud during the opening address of all meetings and events of the Toronto Metropolitan Association of Part-time Students:
“We can never work to end systematic and institutional violence if we do not centre the narratives of Indigenous peoples in our collective decision making for social justice and equity. Many of us directly benefit from the colonization and genocide of the Indigenous people of this land. In order to engage in resistance and solidarity against the injustices inflicted on the Indigenous people it is imperative we constantly engage in acts of decolonization.

Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University are in the “Dish with One Spoon Territory.” The Dish with One Spoon is a treaty between the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas and Haudenosaunee that bound them to share the territory and protect the land. Subsequent Indigenous Nations and peoples, Europeans and all newcomers, have been invited into this treaty in the spirit of peace, friendship and respect.”

Reflection
Speakers of the Land Acknowledgement will be encouraged to reflect on the statement before or after the official statement.

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Equity Statement

Student Union solidarity is based on the principle that all members are equal and deserve mutual respect and understanding. As members of the students’ union, mutual respect, cooperation and understanding are our goals. We should neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. It is our collective responsibility to create an inclusive space for discussion and dialogue. All forms of discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated, nor will hate speech rooted in, but not limited to Islamophobia, antisemitism, sexism, racism, classism, ableism, homophobia or transphobia. We all have an obligation to ensure that an open and inclusive space, free of hate, is established. If you are not here in an understanding of good faith, or you have violated this understanding, you will be asked to leave.