At House of Friendship, we respectfully acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and unceded territories of the Anishinaabe (Ah-nish-in-AH-bay), Chonnonton (Chi-nawn-ton) and Haudenosaunee (Hoh-DEE-noh-SHOH-nee) Peoples. We acknowledge that Waterloo Region is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to Six Nations, which includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. This land has been stewarded by Indigenous Peoples for centuries and continues to protect its resources and sustain its communities.

As we reflect on our purpose today let us recognize the interconnectedness of land, housing, food, and community well-being. Access to housing, nourishments, and addiction support is essential to building safe and inclusive neighbourhoods. Yet, systemic inequities rooted in colonization continue to disproportionately affect Indigenous Peoples in these areas.

At House of Friendship, we commit to honouring this land not only in words but in action by supporting initiatives that promote equitable access to housing, culturally safe health care, food, autonomy and community resilience. We will work in partnership with Indigenous communities to advance truth, justice, and reconciliation, recognizing that our collective well-being depends on it.