Building Acceptance Through Understanding

Land Acknowledgement

Nova’s Ark acknowledges that we gather on the traditional territory included in the William’s Treaties comprised of the Mississauga’s of Scugog Island First Nation, which is a group within the Anishinaabeg Nation, which also includes the Algonquin, Chippewa, Odawa, Ojibway and Pottawatomi Peoples. As an inclusive facility, we acknowledge the deep traumas that the Indigenous Peoples have endured in the past and continue to face in the present. Nova’s Ark works through the many traumas of our unique families with dignity and respect. As settlers in this area, we value our learning environment which brings together friends from different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and ages. We take pride in the natural learning environment and the curiosity it provides us.

We are grateful for the many plants and trees that peacefully surround us. We are grateful for the many birds who regularly visit and sing to us. We are grateful for the scampering of the chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits who cross our paths every day and for those who quietly observe us from afar. We are grateful for the slithering snakes and the croaking frogs who remind us how fragile nature can be. We are grateful for the buzzing of the bees and the many insects that share their homes with us. We are very thankful for the clean creek water that gently flows throughout the forest sustaining life for all.

Nova’s Ark is committed to deepening our understanding and need to become more connected to the land by honouring and respecting the stewardship of the First Nations People. We invite the Indigenous Elders to come and honour the land, to encourage the use of the land for the purpose of ceremonies. We are committed to sharing the land’s resources with the Indigenous Community in whatever ways possible. Together, we will create awareness of the importance of the nature connection to this land and ALL of the inhabitants of Turtle Island.