Land Acknowledgement

Pine’s Urban Programs (Toronto)

The Pine Project operates on the land we now call Toronto, which has been a site of human activity for thousands of years. One origin of ‘Toronto’ is the Mohawk word ‘Tkaronto’, meaning “where the trees stand in the water.”* Tkaronto is part of the traditional territory of many Nations, including the Wendat and Tionontati (Petun) First Nations, the Haudenosaunee, and most recently the Mississaugas of the Credit (of the Anishnabeg Peoples).

We are so fortunate to learn and play in two historically significant Valleys of the city:

The Lower Don also known as ‘Wonscotonach’, translating to “burning bright point” or “black burnt country”, may refer to the practice of torchlight salmon spearing on the river, or to the impact of fire on the landscape.* The Mississaugas of the Credit had a seasonal settlement here and fished and hunted the marshlands for muskrat, duck and deer.
The Humber, also known as ‘Niwa’ah Onega’gaih’ih’ or “little thundering waters.”* For at least 12,000 years an Indigenous trail followed the edge of the bluffs along this section of the Humber River valley. Just up river from where we gather weekly is Baby’s Point, a neighbourhood built on the same spot as ‘Teiaiagon,’ once a village of the Seneca and later the Mississaugas of the Credit.

We extend our deep gratitude to the generations of People – past and present – who have tended this land, the Dish with One Spoon Territory. We acknowledge the abiding wisdom of the Dish with One Spoon treaty between the Anishnabeg and Haudenosaunee that bound them to share the territory and protect the land. The ‘Dish’ represents what is now known as southern Ontario; we all eat out of the dish with only one spoon, ensuring that our dish is never empty. This symbolizes our ongoing roles and responsibilities of sustaining the land and treating each other and all living things with equity and respect.

Today, Toronto is home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge the history and ongoing process of colonization, and recognize that in order to realize the promise and challenge of reconciliation, acknowledgement must be coupled with action. At the Pine Project, we are embarking on a journey of understanding and realizing our responsibility to reconciliation, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Principles of Reconciliation and Calls to Action. We seek to move forward with humility, respect, gratitude and meaningful relationship building.

*We respectfully acknowledge the many histories and several translations associated with the history of this land.

Pine’s Red Wolf Overnight Camp (Haliburton)

Red Wolf Overnight Camp operates on the land we now call the Haliburton Highlands. It is the traditional homelands of the Michi Saagiig (Mississauga Anishinaabeg) and Chippewa Nations, and is in the territory covered by the Williams Treaties. One of the highest regions in the Canadian Shield, the area has always been known as ‘Gidaaki’ by the Anishinaabe, meaning “upwards earth” (‘gidaa’ meaning “upwards” and ‘ki’ meaning “earth”). The land has supported human activity for thousands of years, as territories for hunting, fishing, and gathering and growing food.

Our camp, located in the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, is not far from an ancient stone cairn submerged at the bottom of a nearby lake. It is thought that some ten thousand years ago, the stone structure would have been above water, marking the trails and hunting passageways used by a small band of early humans. The discovery of this ancient stone structure deepens the story of human activity and land stewardship in this area. We extend our deep gratitude to the generations of People – past and present – who have tended and stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial.

Today, the area is home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge the history and ongoing process of colonization, and recognize that in order to realize the promise and challenge of reconciliation, acknowledgement must be coupled with action. At the Pine Project, we are embarking on a journey of understanding and realizing our responsibility to reconciliation, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Principles of Reconciliation and Calls to Action. We seek to move forward with humility, respect, gratitude and meaningful relationship building.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

We are deeply committed to creating a community where everyone belongs. As is true in nature, we believe that diversity is essential for a strong and vibrant community. We aim to include and celebrate the many facets that contribute to our human identity, including gender identity, gender expression, race, religion, ability, and sexual orientation. We are working to craft a culture where people are seen and acknowledged for their shared humanity as well as their unique individuality. Our approach is grounded in acknowledgement of the long-standing and ongoing systems of racism, inequity, and injustice that prevent many from accessing and feeling welcome in the outdoors. We strive to promote inclusive policies and practices, including providing accommodations that promote equity and removing barriers to access wherever possible. Out at programs you will see us living these values by acknowledging the original stewards of this land, inviting participants to share their pronouns and other affirming practices, using child-centred approaches to create space for all voices, and addressing any oppressive behaviours that arise, for example.

Please see our Annual Updates for more information on the progress we’ve made and where we have room to grow: