Acknowledgement of Indigenous Land

We recognize that Ensemble Theatre sits on Native land. ETC’s productions take place on the traditional unceded territories of the Host Nations, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh). Although for over 200 years Indigenous Nations have been forcibly removed from this territory, we must acknowledge that this land continues to be a site of gathering and healing for thousands of Indigenous people.

Want to learn about the land you are on? Visit native-land.ca

ABOUT THIS STATEMENT

In Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, it is common to begin events with a land acknowledgement, which recognizes and honors the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous people and their land. While European settlers tend to see land as a resource to be used and exploited for their benefit, Indigenous people across the world have a more horizontal relationship with their land, emphasizing respect and reciprocity.

We recognize the original inhabitants of this land to show respect, gratitude, and appreciation to those whose land we reside on and to disrupt false narratives around the history of this land. For example, many conversations and much political discourse in Canada is still predicated on misinformation, that emboldens more ignorant and malicious minded people, and as a nation, Canada has not yet brought the stark, frank Truth – much less Reconciliation to addressing our colonial past. 

Land acknowledgements do not exist in the past tense; colonialism still lives with us today in various forms. This statement is only the beginning of our exploration of the history of this land and our relationship with indigenous communities. We’re excited to deepen our partnership with the Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and we invite you to join us as we continue to learn and interrogate our participation in upholding colonial structures.

THE IMPORTANCE OF STORYTELLING

The art of storytelling combats the violent erasure and the porous versions of history instilled into our imaginations. By choosing to acknowledge and uplift the voices of Indigenous communities, we are committing to a more honest and equitable future. Acknowledgment is merely the first step in addressing injustices that have resulted in silence and exclusion. We cannot replace what has been lost and stolen. Still, through continual action, support, and accountability, we can further build an artistic community that prioritizes inclusivity, shared space, and shared power.

XʷMƏΘKʷƏY̓ƏM (MUSQUEAM)

The traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. Many members live on a small portion of traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. They have always moved throughout their territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping, and gathering. The Musqueam remain distinct, and their cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning their ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate their people. The Musqueam are the only First Nations band whose reserve community lies within the boundaries of the City of Vancouver.

The name Musqueam relates back to the flowering plant, məθkʷəy̓, which grows in the Fraser River estuary.  There is a sχʷəy̓em̓ that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how they became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm – People of the məθkʷəy̓ plant.

SḴWX̱WÚ7MESH (SQUAMISH)

The Squamish Nation, as a government, has existed since 1923. In their language, they are called Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. Prior to 1923, the Squamish People were socially, economically, and politically organized into several physical communities called an úxwumixw (“village; people”) in the territory of the Squamish People.

The territory of the Squamish People includes the Burrard Inlet, English Bay, False Creek, and Howe Sound watersheds. While historically the Squamish People had a tradition of dual residencies between the Howe Sound Watershed and the English Bay or Burrard Inlet watershed, the majority of Squamishr people live on the North Shore of Vancouver in three communities in West Vancouver and North Vancouver and approximately 10 percent of our population living in communities along the Squamish River in Squamish, British Columbia.

The Squamish Language is spoken today by dozens of Squamish People as a second language. It has been learned from elders who held onto the knowledge of the language after a significant decline in the population of first-language speakers. The language is unique from the language of neighbouring Indigenous Peoples, but considered part of the Coast Salish language family, and part of the wider Salishan language family.

SƏLILWƏTAꞭ (TSLEIL-WAUTUTH)

The oral history of the Tsleil-Waututh tells us up to 10,000 Tsleil-Waututh members lived in their traditional territory, before contact with Europeans. Their ancestors’ survival depended on cycles of hunting, harvesting and preserving foods, and on trade with our neighbours.

Originally, Tsleil-Waututh ancestors and elders were devastated by contact with Europeans from smallpox, residential schools, and cultural suppression.

Numerous archaeological sites have been discovered where their ancestors gathered, many are thousands of years old

When Europeans arrived, a majority of the population was decimated by disease. The Tsleil-Waututh survived other difficult times―colonialism, the reserve system, and residential schools. Despite this devastation, their people helped build Vancouver and North Vancouver, persevered in the stewardship of their territory, continued practicing and passing down their language and culture.