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The 519 is located in Tkaronto, now known as Toronto, which in Mohawk means ‘where there are trees standing in the water”. Today, Tkaronto is covered under Treaty #13 and the Williams Treaties. It is the traditional territories of many First Peoples, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.
As we gather here today, these nations continue to experience ongoing colonization and displacement– where land acknowledgements are offered in place of land itself.
This territory is part of ‘the Dish with One Spoon’ wampum, a Treaty made between the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas, and Haudenosaunee, where nations entered into an agreement to protect the land and responsibly care for its resources in harmony together.
As settlers, newcomers, refugees, and Indigenous peoples, we have all been invited into this treaty in the spirit of peace, friendship, and respect. We are also mindful of broken treaties that persist across Turtle Island today and recognize our responsibilities as Treaty people to engage in a meaningful, continuous process of truth and reconciliation with all our relations.
We remember those who came here involuntarily, particularly those brought to these lands as a result of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery. This city was built on stolen land and stolen labour of Black, Indigenous, and racialized people.
What we now refer to as Canada was also built on the labour of many immigrant and migrant communities. From the transcontinental railroad to farming and food production, the country heavily relied (and continues to) on the talent, skill, and hard work of racialized people. In exchange, many of them are denied residence, and they continue to go through punishing immigration experiences and perpetuating racial disparities.
By being on this land, we are all responsible for upholding its treaties. Treaty agreements were made to last as long as “the sun shines, the grass grows, and rivers flow.”
We invite you to learn about the Indigenous Nations that care for the land you are on, and where you might come from, visit native-land.ca to learn more.
Our commitment
The 519 is committed to advancing anti-racism and decolonization while centering the voices, leadership, and joy of Black, Indigenous, racialized, trans, and non-binary communities.
While this work is underway, it is never over. It is informed by our approach to internal processes, programming, philanthropic strategy, and the future we envision together.
We are particularly grateful for the internal leadership of The 519’s Black Collective, Trans Engagement Strategy (TES), and our Indigenous and 2 Spirit partners.
