As a charity situated in Tkarónto, now known as Toronto, we acknowledge the land we are working on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
We acknowledge that Toronto is covered by the Williams Treaties and Treaty 13 with the Mississauga’s of the Credit, and that this territory consists of both ceded and unceded land that continues to be contested to this day. We also acknowledge that this territory is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a Treaty entered into in collective stewardship between the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas, and Haudenosaunee, to protect the land and responsibly care for its resources in harmony together, an agreement which extends to all people and nations living in present-day Toronto.
We acknowledge the historical and ongoing colonial damage inflicted upon Indigenous peoples, including Indigenous creatives, as a result of colonization, forced assimilation, and the imposition of oppressive systems. We recognize that these injustices have resulted in the marginalization, erasure, and loss of cultural heritage for Indigenous communities on this land and beyond.
As a charity working in the creative industries, we acknowledge the need to address the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous film, television and advertising workers. We are committed to actively supporting and promoting the rights, well-being, and self-determination of Indigenous filmmakers, content creators, artists, designers, storytellers, writers, and all forms of creative expression.
We recognize the resilience, strength, and contributions of Indigenous creatives who have overcome historical barriers and continue to shape the cultural landscape of this land. We commit ourselves to creating equitable opportunities, platforms, and networks that amplify Indigenous experiences, stories, and creative endeavours. We aim to foster an environment that honours Indigenous ways of knowingknowledge systems, celebrates cultural diversity, and challenges colonial narratives.
In our efforts, we seek to collaborate with Indigenous creatives, Indigenous-led organizations, and Indigenous knowledge keepers to ensure that our work is guided by their wisdom and expertise. We will respect and honour cultural protocols, recognize and uphold Indigenous rights, and promote fair and inclusive practices in all aspects of our programming and operations.
We also acknowledge that reconciliation is an ongoing process, and we commit ourselves to continuously learning, unlearning, and taking action to dismantle systemic barriers and address the legacies of colonialism within our work in the creative industries. We recognize the importance of supporting Indigenous-led initiatives that restore and revitalize Indigenous creativity, languages, and cultures.
We seek to work toward addressing the injustices from which settlers of this land have benefited, and encourage everyone that engages with POV to:
Learn more about the land in which they are located by visiting Native Land Digital;
Support the ongoing efforts of Indigenous-led organizations such as the Indigenous Screen Office, Weengushk, ImagineNATIVE, the Shine Network Institute, MiziweBiik and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
Read the Final Report and Calls to Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls;
Learn more about reconciliation through taking the courses offered by the National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education and Indigenous Canada