Land Acknowledgement
Community Development Council Durham acknowledges the Indigenous peoples and nations who have longstanding relationships with the lands on which we live, work and serve communities across Durham Region.
CDCD Land Acknowledgement
Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is located on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Mississauga (Anishinaabe), on land ceded in the Williams Treaty of 1923 by the governments of Canada and Ontario and by seven First Nations of the Chippewa of Lake Simcoe (Beausoleil, Georgina Island, and Rama) and of the Mississauga of the north shore of Lake Ontario (Scugog Island, Alderville, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha). In Durham, we live and work on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.
As settlers, we are grateful for the opportunity to meet here, and we thank all the generations of people who have been stewards of this sacred land. The importance and contributions of Indigenous Peoples must be central, clear and overtly connected to the collective commitment we make to integrate Truth and Reconciliation in our communities. At CDCD, as we continue to better understand Indigenous Peoples, acknowledge their realities and foster stronger relationships, we also encourage you to join us in reflecting on the history of this land on which we carry out our work and our presence on it today. As we meet online, the online space is Indigenous space – as our connections, wires and spectrum, run across these land, seas and skies.
Why We Acknowledge the Land
A land acknowledgement is one way of recognizing the enduring presence, histories, cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples and their relationships with the land.
For CDCD, acknowledgement is intended to encourage reflection and learning, while recognizing that meaningful reconciliation requires more than words alone.
It is part of a broader responsibility to understand the history and continuing impacts of colonialism, to recognize the resilience and contributions of Indigenous peoples, and to consider how our actions, services and relationships can support greater respect, equity and reconciliation.
Our Responsibility in Durham Region
CDCD serves communities throughout Durham Region. In doing so, we recognize the importance of understanding the Indigenous histories and relationships connected to the lands where our programs, services, partnerships and community-development work take place.
We recognize the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation as an important part of the history, present and future of Durham Region.
We also acknowledge the broader histories and relationships of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples whose lives and communities continue to shape Canada today.
From Acknowledgement to Action
CDCD believes a land acknowledgement should be connected to meaningful learning and action.
Our ongoing work includes strengthening awareness of Indigenous histories and contemporary realities, challenging anti-Indigenous racism, promoting respectful and inclusive services, and supporting a workplace and community culture grounded in dignity and equity.
Our Commitment
We recognize that reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility. It requires listening, learning, reflection, relationship-building and a willingness to examine how our practices can contribute to more respectful and equitable relationships with Indigenous peoples.
Truth and Reconciliation
CDCD recognizes the importance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the broader responsibility of organizations and communities to participate meaningfully in reconciliation.
We encourage staff, partners, community members and visitors to continue learning about Indigenous histories, cultures, rights and contemporary realities, and to reflect on the role each of us can play in advancing respectful relationships and reconciliation.
Related Commitment
Our Land Acknowledgement is connected to CDCD’s broader commitment to addressing anti-Indigenous racism and supporting reconciliation.
Read our Anti-Indigenous Racism & Reconciliation CommitmentA Commitment to Learning
CDCD recognizes that our understanding and relationships must continue to grow. We approach this work with respect and humility, recognizing that meaningful reconciliation cannot be achieved through statements alone.
We invite our staff, partners, clients, volunteers and community members to join us in learning, reflecting and contributing to relationships grounded in respect, truth and reconciliation.