Join the conversation on the OLA’s Forum. A topic has been started on Land Acknowledgements which are increasingly becoming a topic of conversation. https://ontariolandowners.ca/community/land-use-zoning/land-acknowledgements/#post-40
Land acknowledgments, as a modern public practice, gained significant traction in Canada post-2015 with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action. Is it time, after ten years, to start being more inclusive and acknowledge the importance of all peoples in Canada?
An indication that indigenous peoples were and are respected, the name “Canada” likely originates from the Huron-Iroquois word “kanata,” meaning “village” or “settlement,” as told to French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1535, who then used the term to describe the area around the present-day Quebec City, eventually expanding to the entire region. The name officially became our country’s name at Confederation in 1867.
In 2026, let’s work together to become that village instead of prolonging divisions with land acknowledgements.
Recommended:
- OneBC’s feature documentary film exposing the massive scandal behind the taking of wealth, land, and power from the Canadian public to benefit indigenous tribes. Making a Killing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSRn8BzpvLc
- Land Acknowledgements in Canada are Empty Words says Shane Wenzel in this YouTube video. Less than ten minutes, this video is well balanced and informative. See it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ7lA9nnSQQ
- In Whitewater Region at a regular council meeting on December 3, 2025. Donna Burns, OLA VP, did a presentation to Council in which she respectfully asks that Council stop uttering the land acknowledgement. Burns further explained that the land in question is subject to a treaty. Burns’ presentation is introduced by the mayor at 11:34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOLQPYt_5JY&t=2440s
- In this video, John Carpay, Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, addresses the hypocrisy of land acknowledgements and the problem with imposing them on the public. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct5zaqO0258
- Ellis Ross was elected MLA for Skeena, BC in 2017 and again in 2020. He currently serves as the Official Opposition Critic for Energy and LNG. Ross has previously served as the Official Opposition Critic for Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing. He has worked in both the private and public sectors, with business experience in hand logging, beach-combing, and construction. Hear what he says about poverty in indigenous communities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH_t4Lvl0ow
And finally, did you know that Mark Carney’s father, Robert Carney had a long and distinguished career in the field of aboriginal education, and that he spoke favourably about residential schools. Likewise, William Wuttenee, who attended a residential school as a child, spoke about fully integrating aboriginals into Canadian society. C2C reports that “Like many distinguished aboriginal elders before him, including Peter Jones, Joseph Brant and Chief Dan George, Wuttunee believed natives and non-natives should live together as equals.” Read how Carney’s son, our prime minister and Wuttenee’s daughter both disagree with their fathers’ thoughts on aboriginal education. https://c2cjournal.ca/2025/12/the-wisdom-of-our-elders-the-contempt-for-memory-in-canadian-indigenous-policy/