A Reflection is about the ways in which Canadians have been led to believe (and complacent in believing) that Canada is an international human rights leader when our legacy is one of cultural genocide that continues to be sanctioned by the highest levels of government. This piece is meant to be a counterpoint to the nationalistic, patriotic, and celebratory Canadian narratives that are commonplace while offering an honest reflection on how we must choose to be better people, together.
Theatre Gargantua, which resides in West Toronto, acknowledges that we are hosted on the lands of traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the new Credit, the Anishnabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. We acknowledge Toronto is covered by the Dish with One Spoon wampum belt convenant between Indigenous tribes, and all people that use the land for peaceful coexistence. To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. Theatre Gargantua knows a single land acknowledgement alone will not make up for the past, but is a promise to continue to dialogue, listen and connect with the people who have and continue to care for this land, to tell their stories and live with Mother Earth’s best interests at heart.
Warning: dealing with subject matter surrounding racism and colonialism
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