Hi, it’s Sarah here on the Dóchas blog, and I am here to provide a land acknowledgement on behalf of Dóchas Psychological Services.
What is a land acknowledgement? A land acknowledgment is a way to express gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory we reside in. Since it is Indigenous History Month, as well as National Indigenous Peoples Day today, it is a fitting time to pause and celebrate the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
I arrived in Canada in 2006 from Scotland and therefore I am an uninvited guest on these stolen lands.
As part of Dóchas Psychological Services, we would like to acknowledge the privilege we have to work and live on these lands. Dóchas Psychological, the clinic itself, resides within Spruce Grove, and Spruce Grove, Alberta, is encompassed within Treaty 6 territory, and the traditional lands of diverse Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/ Saulteaux/Anishinaabe, Inuit, and many others. We would like to acknowledge and be grateful for these custodians of the land.
We would also like to acknowledge and be grateful for the privilege that we have, and will use that privilege to help make the TRC, or Truth and Reconciliation Council, and Calls to Action part of our life and part of our clinic. Although Canada’s landscape, which was known previously as Turtle Island, has changed, we are committed to learning the truth and all of the history of Canada. I am humbled to self-reflect and to understand the systemic injustice and the cultural genocide of many Indigenous peoples. The assimilation and the horrors of Residential Schools where so many children were abused must be spoken of.
The reason we do this is so we can move closer to truth and reconciliation, and understand our history.
So as we celebrate Indigenous History Month we also can reflect on who we are, where we live, and the privilege that we hold. I am committed to challenging and breaking down barriers that continue to violate Indigenous communities. On behalf of Dóchas Psychological Services, I wish you a very good month and thank you for this time.
About Dóchas Psychological
Dóchas Psychological Services is a well-established and trusted therapy clinic located in Spruce Grove, Alberta. At Dóchas we value the idea that everyone deserves a safe space. Through connection and education, our team works hard to build a trustworthy relationship with each of our clients. It is our goal to create a community for our clients to feel like they belong.
Disclaimer
Information provided through Dóchas Psychological Services blogs or vlogs is meant for educational purposes only. They are NOT medical or mental health advice. You can read more about our disclaimer here.
