Where we are is more than physical

When it comes to land acknowledgements, many often start with a nod to physical place names, and possibly acknowledging the Peoples who have been in relationship with this land since time immemorial. You can learn more about where you are, and the history of the land, here or here.​ Though, a common question arises: how can we deepen our relationship with the land we are a part of in a meaningful way, beyond a simple statement of acknowledgment?

Renowned Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson reminds us that "Aki [land] includes all aspects of creation: land forms, elements, plants, animals, spirits, sounds,
thoughts, feelings, energies and all of the emergent systems, ecologies and networks that connect
these elements." Reflecting on the fullness of the meaning of what the land is, and how we are a part of that, may serve as a pathway toward deepening our relationship with the land, and inform us as we embrace meaningful action toward a healthier collective existence. 

Amiskwacîwâskahikan

Deep Sea Psychology started out in a heritage-home-turned- therapy-practice located in ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (the nehiyawewin itwewin (Cree word) "amiskwacî-wâskahikan" - "beaver hills house") (Edmonton, Alberta), on Treaty 6 Territory. This land is home, traditional meeting ground, gathering place, and travelling route of the Nêhiyawak (Cree), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux. We continue to hold in-person sessions in Amiskwacîwâskahikan, as well as online sessions connecting to people living throughout territories within Treaties 6, 7, and 8. 

Quw'utsun

 Deep Sea Psychology's current headquarters is located in Quw'utsun (rooted in the Hul'q'umi'num word “shquw'utsun” - “to warm one's back in the sun")(Cowichan, B.C.), unceded (stolen) Coast Salish Territory. This land is the home and traditional territory of the Quw'utsun Tribes, made up of seven traditional villages: Kw'amutsun (Quamichan),  Lhumlhumuluts' (Clemclemaluts), Qwum'yiqun' (Comiaken),  Xinupsum (Khenipsen), Tl'ulpalus (Kilpahlas), Xwulqw'selu (Koksilah), and S'amuna' (Somena), forming the largest First Nation Band in B.C. Chief William "Chip" Seymour and others discuss the significance of the Quw'utsun Tumuhw (Land Code) that came into effect in 2019, here, a meaningful step in the direction of the restoration of Indigenous self-governance.
I believe that if we listen closely enough, we will hear the land speaking to us. It is telling us what it needs to heal.

​- Winona LaDuke

Solidarity

We recognize that we are one. We stand in solidarity with all who have and continue to suffer at the hands of ongoing colonization, and we are committed to actively working towards decolonization, liberation from oppression, and the restoration of Indigenous self-determination, sovereignty, and land rights.

Moving beyond a land acknowledgment: Solidarity means taking action

Here are a few resources to explore, to learn more about supporting ongoing movements of Indigenous resurgence, sovereignty, and the restoration of land rights:
'Give it back' means to restore the livelihood, demonstrate respect for what is shared – the land – by making things right through compensation, restoration of freedom, dignity, and livelihood.

​- Sylvia McAdam Saysewahum