Territorial recognition

Full use of the statement can be made at several times in the academic calendar, for example at Convocation, at galas or recognition events, at the opening of colloquia or other scientific events and at the opening of summer schools or intensive course weeks. It is up to all members of the university community to take ownership of this statement and to use it.

When it is decided to read the statement, it is strongly suggested that a responsible person be appointed to do so. Knowing this in advance allows that person to become familiar with the statement and to feel comfortable when reading it.

If you have any questions about the use of the statement, you can refer to the Mamawi Mikimodan Service (working together) at mamawimikimodan@uqat.ca.

While it is true that UQAT is present on several territories in Quebec, and even beyond, the first paragraph of the statement clarifies that the university's governance location is in the heart of NitakinanNitakinan. However, the second paragraph emphasizes that UQAT is also present in other First Peoples' communities and that it recognizes all other territories.

It is important to take the time to learn about the territory you are in.

Once again, it is up to each individual to be open, curious and caring in meeting Indigenous peoples in order to get to know and understand the territory better. Many organizations (cities, universities, CEGEPs, etc.) indicate the territory in which it is located on their website and some post a territorial recognition statement.

Some people may wonder what to do with the statement when they are not in Nitakinan. In this situation, it is important that people take the time to learn about the place they are in and the people who have been there for thousands of years. Once again, it is up to each individual to show openness, curiosity, respect and kindness by going to meet the First Peoples in order to better know and understand the territory.

Numerous calls to action, proposed by a variety of inquiry commissions (Royal Commission on Indigenous Peoples (1996), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015), the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Women and Girls (2019), and the Public Inquiry Commission on Relations between Aboriginal Peoples and Certain Public Services (2019), underscore the importance of engaging to address the widespread lack of understanding of the First Peoples' realities. These calls to action are addressed to governments, institutions and the general public. It is everyone's responsibility to take part in these commitments. The territorial recognition principle as a whole, through its statement and its concrete actions, represents several ways to contribute to the necessary social changes. Reading the statement is one concrete step. Several others are also possible: see examples of actions that can be taken..

Some people may want to insert it into their course outlines, others may prefer to read it out loud at the opening of an event or meeting, or still others may want to add it to their electronic signature. All these possibilities are acceptable.

The important thing to remember is that this approach is authentic and sincere. These two words can guide you in the way you use the territorial recognition statement.

Incorporating the territorial recognition statement into your course will most likely lead to questions from students. It is important to be prepared for this exchange and to be humble.

The entire population of Quebec is not well informed. The statement is a tool that allows the university community and the population to become aware of the First Peoples' realities and issues. This approach is part of a desire to re-establish the truth and to create bridges towards reconciliation. Thus, even if no Indigenous people are present or involved in the event in question, encouraging the reading of the territorial recognition statement is a way of educating people and getting them to reflect on their preconceptions of Indigenous peoples.

The statement is more for institutional use. However, it is possible to say it in the first person. It then reads as follows:

• I wish to acknowledge that the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue is located in the heart of Nitakinan, anicinape aki. I recognise that Nitakinan is the cradle of Indigenous languages, cultures and identities. Moreover, this territory is a prime area for knowledge transmission, exchange and healing.
• Today, the territory on which UQAT is located is home to many nations, from both territorial and urban communities. UQAT also recognises that its institutions and activities are also located in the heart of other First Peoples' territories.
• UQAT is aware that it is part of a system resulting from colonisation. Educational institutions have long been used for assimilation purposes, notably through the imposition of residential schools. The negative effects continue to be felt to this day.
• In light of these recognitions and in order to support the full affirmation of First Peoples, I am committed, as UQAT is, and I invite you to take concrete action, particularly through education and research.

It is now up to all members of the university community to take ownership of this statement and promote it.

For some people, the nature of the event or the moment may make the statement seem too long. It is then the responsibility of each person to present it properly and to listen to his/her heart while doing so.

If you have any questions on how to use the statement, you can refer to the Mamawi Mikimodan Service (working together): mamawimikimodan@uqat.ca.

Concrete actions can be implemented in several ways. Some are institutional, while others are more individual. First, it is important to position yourself in relation to these and decide how you want to participate. You can take training courses, read works by Indigenous authors and share your readings with your colleagues, take part in activities organised at UQAT, learn words in Anicinapemowin, etc. Regarding institutional actions, the Mamawi Mikimodan Service (working together) remains available to support members of the university community in carrying out this type of action.

It is possible to implement other concrete actions. In case other actions are taken, the Mamawi Mikimodan Service (working together) will be happy to know about them so that they can be listed and promoted to inspire other members of the university community.

The territorial recognition principle is a dynamic process and will evolve over time. The Territorial Recognition Statement and the concrete actions developed by the Territorial Recognition Committee will be reviewed at regular intervals. This validation will give UQAT the opportunity to consolidate its relationships with the First Peoples and to ensure that the means deployed always meet the needs of the region's Indigenous people.

The committee also felt it necessary to develop 5 success factors for the adoption of the territorial recognition principle by UQAT to ensure that concrete actions are put in place:

1. Have budgets that are consistent with the concrete actions;
2. Have a person dedicated to ensuring the follow-up of territorial recognition (Mamawi Mikimodan Service);
3. Set a time frame of 3-5 years before renewal;
4. Ensure public follow-up of the concrete actions;
5. Make internal presentations of the accompanying guide (raising awareness among UQAT staff).