Land Acknowledgement

As a blanketed member of the Musqueam First Nation (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), and as part of my Lokono (South American Arawak) heritage, I respectfully acknowledge that I am privileged to live and work on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Chonnonton Nations, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. I respect the longstanding relationships Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers. I acknowledge historical and ongoing injustices that Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) endure in Canada, and I accept responsibility as a supporter of public post-secondary institutions to contribute toward revealing and correcting miseducation as well as renewing respectful relationships with Indigenous communities through my work, my words, and my life’s actions.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

I cannot do better if I do not know better. Therefore, to be a better, more inclusive, leader, I commit to:

Accepting I do not know what I do not know, and that I cannot use unconscious bias as an excuse.

Asking when I do not know, so I may learn.

Learning about myself, my biases, and my own culture to better understand others.

Exposing myself to others who are not like me so I may better appreciate difference.

Embracing differences as binding strengths, not divisive forces.

Speaking up against divisive speech, actions, and biases to raise awareness in myself and others.

Being an ally in word and deed.

Using my position of social and cultural privilege so my words and deeds may create positive influence.

Listening and reflecting deeply to learn how to be more empathetic.

Continuing this journey with others as I accept my limitations and strive to do better tomorrow than I did today, for this journey may never end because the destination is not mine to find.

Anticipating with humility the day when others tell us we have finally reached their destination.