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Mountains and Lakes Aerial View

Land Acknowledgement

The Canadian Mountain Network (CMN) is proud to be part of a rich history of Indigenous knowledge and culture, including Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being. We recognize the historical trauma and the triumphs that many different cultures, lands and Nations have continuously faced within Canada. We acknowledge that we are on the treaty lands and territory of numerous and diverse Indigenous Nations and pay tribute to their heritage and legacy, as we strengthen ties with the communities we serve while taking concrete actions towards meaningful reconciliation. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with Indigenous communities on this land. We pay respect to all Indigenous people from all nations across Canada, acknowledge the traditional knowledge keepers and honour their leaders.

CMN recognizes and honours the vital role Indigenous knowledge, principles, and ways of being, bring to research, operations, and governance as we work together to develop a better understanding of our shared mountain ecosystems and beyond. CMN commits to braiding ethical space and Indigenous principles in everything we do, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our society, nature and our collective place in the environment. CMN affirms the rights-based self-determination of Indigenous Peoples and commits to upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) commitments in all CMN Undertakings. 

What is a Land Acknowledgement?

A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement recognizing and respecting the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories, and honouring the Indigenous People who have lived and worked on this land presently and historically.

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CMN’s Equitable Commitment Statement

Located on Treaty 6, the land of the ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐊᐢᑭᕀ Nêhiyaw-Askiy (Plains Cree), Tsuu T'ina, Michif Piyii (Métis) and Cree, the Canadian Mountain Network (CMN) recognizes and honours the vital role Indigenous knowledge, principles, and ways of being bring to research as we work together to develop a better understanding of our shared mountain ecosystems and beyond. These principles emphasize the interconnectedness of our society, nature and our collective place in the environment.

CMN commits to braiding ethical space and Indigenous principles in everything we do. An ethical space is formed when different worldviews engage with each other in mutuality, reciprocity, and respect. It recognizes the need for sharing space rather than giving space (1). Space is created through power, equalizing, inclusive and equitable approaches geared to expanding our collective means in generating knowledge. As a Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada (NCE), CMN commits to upholding the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in our operations and our research. We do this through braiding Indigenous and Western ways of knowing with the goal to support and forward equitable decision-making across Canada for a large and diverse group of researchers, trainees, and knowledge users.

CMN recognizes that the goals of advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) for all equity seeking groups is distinct from the foundational rights and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples. As such we affirm the distinct and diverse peoples, cultures, and systems of government present in Indigenous communities. Indigenous ways of knowing have historically not been adequately included in ecological research. CMN is intensely focused on ensuring Indigenous knowledge and leadership permeates the entire Network, as Indigenous knowledge is crucial to solving today’s complex social and environmental challenges.

In regards to EDIJ metrics, CMN prides itself on the strong representation of Indigenous perspectives and gender equality within our organization. We recognize that there is much more work to be done to increase diversity in all of its forms at CMN. We commit to braiding diversity considerations in all that we do, particularly in recruitment and procurement. (See our Operational Plan for more details.)

CMN recognizes our shared responsibility to contribute to reconciliation in Canada, by supporting and braiding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action in our structures and operations, particularly as it relates to the goals of education, research and how we make and influence decisions together. By applying ethical space principles, emphasizing Indigenous-driven and collaborative methodologies of research, protecting and preserving Indigenous knowledge and science, and representing the diverse voices of Indigenous communities in Canada, CMN remains committed to creating Knowledge Hubs and supporting strategic initiatives led or co-led by Indigenous researchers, reflecting the interests of all communities in developing a more equitable and inclusive future.

1. Ermine, W. (2007). The Ethical Space of Engagement. Indigenous Law Journal 6(1).

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