Diversity Initiatives

Land Acknowledgement

by Julie Simmons

In acknowledgement of the land on which we are meeting I would like to say that most likely, we are all far from the land of our ancestors, living on land that once was the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. This land is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples as well as those of us here today. 

As we gather in virtual space, each of us located in a real space, we also acknowledge that there was a time before, a time when people understood the land as alive and generous to her people; full of food and beauty, rich with materials and encouragement to live creatively and in harmony with all creatures. 

I dedicate this gathering to the healing and awakening of all people everywhere, especially those who inhabit Planet Earth, my home, that we may heal the rift between the land and the people which has also become the rift between peoples. That we may awaken to the soul of nature that gives life to the Universe. Once and For All.

Indigenous Peoples of T’karanto

ATI is located in Toronto, land also known traditionally as T’karanto, sacred land which means where there are trees in water. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaty signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. This agreement was then extended to allied nations to peacefully and respectfully care for it as part of a larger agreement. ATI acknowledges the enduring presences of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples and the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples as well as others with ancestral roots abroad. Through this land acknowledgement, we are initiating an act of reconciliation, to honour the land and Indigenous heritage, which dates back over 10, 000 years.

A non-profit volunteer run organization, ATI recognizes the intersectionality of identity. We encourage and foster diversity, inclusion, and equity, and do not discriminate based on any of the following: race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, abilities, gender, religion, spiritual beliefs, or any other identifying determinants.

The ATI Board Considers Inclusion and Equity by:

  • having a Land Acknowledgement to open events and/or meetings

  • using inclusive language in ATI communications (Mailchimp, social media)

  • accommodating members’ needs in ATI events (online, in-person)

  • inclusive representation of speaker identities

  • offering diversity bursary/scholarships for membership and June Intensive event

  • diversity training with Fluid Exchange Karen B Chan for ATI Board

  • PD resources for new/current ATI board members (e.g. Fluid Exchange)

  • providing a diversity statement and considerations for ATI speakers and members

  • sharing preferred pronouns (e.g. they, he/she, zie, sie, ey)

  • sharing TRC, diversity, inclusivity and equity resources (see links)

Thus ATI requires members to be mindful of and to consider the following when interacting in online and/or in-person events, including board members.

Prejudicial and discriminatory behaviours such as use of language that incite hate will not be tolerated at ATI events and/or communication through ATI channels such as social media and/or email.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a continuous commitment and we are open to feedback. We can be reached at astrologytoronto@gmail.com.