CUPS acknowledges the land we sit on

“When it comes to truth and reconciliation, you can’t have reconciliation until people understand the truth.” - Wade Maude, CUPS Indigenization Strategy Coordinator

Truth and reconciliation is an issue CUPS takes seriously. Words are not enough; it’s about backing up commitments and promises with action. 

Since arriving at CUPS, Maude says he has been met with open minds as staff and volunteers work to understand the traumas Indigenous people have suffered due to residential schools.   

At the start of every event and in all CUPS documents, there is a land acknowledgement written by the Social Justice Committee with the help of Blackfoot Elder Randy Bottle.     

In the Spirit of acknowledgement and recognition of the truth. CUPS has a desire and responsibility to promote and commit to reconciliation and healing with Indigenous peoples. CUPS values dignity, healing, and accountability within our work, as we strive to build strong and resilient communities through wholistic and integrated care. 

CUPS respects and acknowledges the traditional territories, oral practices, and the history of the Blackfoot (Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai), the Tsuu T’ina (Sarcee), the Stoney Nakoda (Chiniki, Wesley, and Bearspaw), First Nations, and the Metis Nation (Region 3). We live, work, grow, play, and appreciate this beautiful territory as we are all treaty people.         

This statement serves as a foundational piece of the indigenization strategy for the organization. 

Why land acknowledgements are important

Reconciliation is a journey, not a destination. 

A land acknowledgement is a single act of reconciliation, which is about acknowledging, establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples.  

Land acknowledgements are becoming commonplace at meetings, conferences, speeches, announcements and many other public events to help indigenous people share their oral history, to ensure it is not lost.

While they were inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report, they have been around for hundreds of years, long before Europeans arrived in North America.  It was, and still is, customary for Indigenous Peoples to respect and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land when they visit other territories. 

How do they help?

Part of the Truth and Reconciliation process is an acknowledgement of the injustices and harm experienced by Indigenous people and the need for continued healing. Acknowledging the traditional territories is a sign of respect and understanding.

They help us understand our responsibilities to each other, the land, our values, and future generations. And they must come from the heart to ensure they are meaningful.

“The cumulative negative impact of residential schools is a legacy of unresolved trauma passed from generation to generation.” – The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

CUPS’ reconciliation journey

As part of acknowledgement and reconciliation, CUPS continues to elevate Indigenous teachings within our communities.

We have shared the stories about Blackfoot Elder Randy Bottle and Ruby Eaglechild from the Blood Reserve visiting the children in kindergarten and preschool and telling them about their traditions and connection to the land during CUPS Child Development Centre’s Indigenous teaching day.  

There is also a training course that Maude and his wife have built for CUPS to help staff better understand the traumas their Indigenous clients have endured.

These are just some of the many ways CUPS is helping preserve the oral history of Indigenous peoples, build relationships based on understanding and respect, and acknowledge traumas they have endured through the residential school system.

CUPS will be closed for a half day on June 21 to allow staff to attend National Indigenous Peoples Day events around the city.