Honouring Land and People
The southern tip of Vancouver Island (including Victoria and Langford), the San Juan, and the Gulf Islands are the Traditional Territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) Peoples.
Where the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness is located was an area that was rich in resources and is currently unceded Traditional Territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Chekonein, Chilcowitch, Swengwhung, Kosampsom, Whyomilth, Teechamitsa, Kakyaakan, Songhees, Esquimalt), Elwha Klallam, Makah, and W̱SÁNEĆ (SȾÁUTW/Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/Pauquachin, WSIḴEM/Tseycum) Peoples.
We recognize and express gratitude to the Peoples and Nations in this region including the MALAXEt (Malahat), Scia’new (Beecher Bay), T’Sou‐ke (Sooke), Ditidaht, and Pacheedaht First Nations.
We acknowledge and thank the Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples, also known as the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations communities, for allowing us to develop and work in their lands.
We respect, honour, and give thanks to our ancestors, supernatural ones, hereditary leaders and matriarchs, and creatures big and small for looking after the rich resources and cultural teachings of this land.
~ Adapted from: Indigenous Perspectives Society & The Anti-Violence Project ~
