Territory Acknowledgment

With deep gratitude and respect, I feel honored to learn and unlearn on the ancestral, unceded, and unsurrendered lands, which have existed since time immemorial, belonging to the ancestors of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam: huh-MUH-quee-um), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish: Skuh-HO-o-meesh) səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh: SLAY-wa-tuh-th) and the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Nations (Kwikwetlem: kwee-kwuh-tlum). I want to express my gratitude to these nations who continue to protect and nurture these lands, the waters, and all the creations from above and below. 

My relationship with the territory has shaped who I am, my sense of belonging, and my feeling of nurturing the natural environment around me. I recollect the times I have walked on the Stanley Park seawall, the waters and sandy beaches that call to me. The parks and forests are so close to my backyard, where I've spent most of my childhood outdoors and playing with sticks and stones where my imaginations would run wild and free. 

As a settler, I am deeply grateful for the people of these lands, as caretakers with rich histories and legacies that have kept the land in good faith. That has allowed me to settle, work, and thrive on these lands. 

My parents immigrated to Canada from Guangzhou, China. I have the privilege of being born here in Vancouver, British Columbia, to have settled and occupied these lands. What I've learned from Angela Ma Brown from the Vancouver School Board when she shared about our settler responsibility as an "occupier" has opened my eyes and made me understand the impact of my presence on these lands. Being born in Canada is a great benefit that has allowed me many opportunities but at the expense of Indigenous peoples who still experience ongoing colonization and genocide. 

I would like to take up the responsibility to thank Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis as the original peoples of this country who have permitted me to learn and practice as a future teacher in their territory.

My obligation as a guest in this territory is to make space for discomfort to acknowledge our dark histories and the legacies of residential schools. To bring to light injustices, create dialogue, and engage with youth today as an educator who can acknowledge treaties and aboriginal rights. 

Steps toward reconciliation include a deep respect for Indigenous people's knowledge, traditions, diverse and present-day contributions to Canadian society, and honoring Indigenous peoples still fighting against injustices and the challenges they continue to face.

I am committed to remaining ‘un-settled’ as an occupier. I would like to develop good relations with indigenous peoples, the more-than-human entities, and the lands and waters we occupy. I hope to bridge and close the gaps, keeping in mind inclusivity and continuing to have a mutual and respectful relationship.

 

My intention is not to teach to the status quo but to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems, rich oral histories, laws, protocols, and connections towards the land. With a commitment to the ethics and practices of reconciliation, I take this to heart and carry with me this lifelong commitment. To be forgiving and being gentle with the journey ahead. This work is significant for our future generations, as it begs our generation to question how to be a good ancestor. I will continue to lead on that idea as we move forward.