Land Acknowledgement

Restorations Second Stage Homes primarily operates from Burlington, Ontario. We acknowledge the Treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation as well as the Traditional Territory of the Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, and Anishinabek on which our residential program and office is situated. We recognize the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples who live across this land today, and we honour the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of all Indigenous communities and peoples who have cared for these lands and waters since time before memory.

We acknowledge the treaties and covenants that were formed in the spirit of reciprocity, respect, and relationship-building including the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant and the Between the Lakes Treaty (No. 3).

Our acknowledgement goes beyond recognizing the land on which we reside. We acknowledge that there was a way of living and value systems that were disrupted by colonization. The deep impact of colonization is a legacy in which Indigenous peoples continue to face harm and systemic inequities. The legacy of the Indian Act, residential schools, the “Sixties Scoop,” and other egregious actions has resulted in Indigenous peoples — particularly women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals — being disproportionately represented in systems of exploitation, including child welfare and human trafficking. We acknowledge and honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals.

We also recognize that this acknowledgement is incomplete. Reconciliation is an ongoing process that takes intention, humility, and curiosity. We strive to do better, acknowledging that with mistakes, we gain the opportunity to apologize, learn, change, and re-engage.

We offer this acknowledgment with gratitude and respect, honouring the resilience, strength, and wisdom of Indigenous communities. May we approach this work with openness, humility, and care, holding space for truth, healing, and justice.