UM updates Traditional Territories Acknowledgement to reflect growth, understanding and commitment to Reconciliation
As a reflection of our university’s growth in advancing Reconciliation, the UM community has updated our Traditional Territories Acknowledgement to better reflect the cultural identities of the Nations on whose land our university calls home.
Territory Acknowledgements are living expressions that evolve over time, guided by ongoing relationships, teachings, and wisdom shared by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Over a decade ago, UM was among the first universities in Canada to formally draft such a statement. Since then, we have revisited and refined our acknowledgement on several occasions, reflecting our growth, learning, and deepening commitment to Reconciliation.
“For me, the Territorial Acknowledgement is more than a statement—it’s a moment of grounding. It reminds me of the deep histories, relationships, and responsibilities tied to this land,” says Angie Bruce, Vice-President (Indigenous). “It calls me to reflect on my place within this journey of Reconciliation, and to honour the voices, cultures, and teachings of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who walk these lands before me.”
UM’s statement is a tool to promote understanding of historical and present-day events, Indigenous perspectives and conversation about what UM is doing to advance Reconciliation.
“The work of Reconciliation is a shared responsibility and it is up to all of us to reflect and take action each and every day,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Michael Benarroch. “Since my installation speech I have repeated this sentiment alongside my commitment to advancing and celebrating Indigenous inclusion and ways of knowing across our campuses. There is still much work to do and this new statement will help guide our institution. I’m grateful to everyone who contributed so much time and effort in developing it.”
UM’s updated Traditional Territories Acknowledgement reads:
The University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
UM recognizes that the Treaties signed on these lands are a lifelong, enduring relationship, and we are dedicated to upholding their spirit and intent. We acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and the present. With this understanding, we commit to supporting Indigenous excellence through active Reconciliation, meaningful change, and the creation of an environment where everyone can thrive. Our collaboration with Indigenous communities is grounded in respect and reciprocity and this guides how we move forward as an institution.
As the official acknowledgement for UM, this statement will be shared on our UM homepage and be included in all official UM plans, such as MomentUM: Leading Change Together. For UM events and presentations where an acknowledgement is appropriate, UM community members are encouraged to craft their own personalized, unique and authentic Territories Acknowledgement and can use this official statement as a starting point. The Culture and Protocols webpage now offers a variety of examples and thought starters to help people find inspiration in developing their own statement.
UM offers many resources on how to provide an authentic Territories Acknowledgement, including monthly workshops run by Christine Cyr, Associate Vice-President (Indigenous) of Students, Community and Cultural Integration, and Vanessa Lillie, Director of Cultural Integration. At these engaging and informative 60-minute in person workshops, participants learn the history of the Territories Acknowledgment at UM, recent changes, and most importantly, how you can make yours reflect your commitment to authentic Reconciliation and action.