About Us

Land Acknowledgment

As visitors on this land, we would like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathering on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Haudenosaunee (Hoe-dee-no-show-nee), Anishnabe (Ahn-ish-in-awbe), Huron Wendat (Huron-Wen-dat) and Mississauga (Mi-suh-saw-guh) First Nations. We acknowledge that this land is traditional in its original occupation and use by Indigenous peoples of Canada; ancestral, in how it is passed down generationally; and unceded, in that this land was not given up by indigenous folks of Canada, but rather taken from them. It is important for all of us to acknowledge our own unique, personal truth and relationship to this land. From our view, as settlers on this land, it is important to recognize the history and origins of the land including the long-standing presence of Indigenous Peoples of this area as a first step towards reconciliation. At Big Brothers Big Sisters we aim to help youth reach their full potential by giving them tools to overcome adversity and societal barriers by connecting them with a positive role model through our mentorship programs. We strive to support the healthy development of all children, which has long been denied to the Indigenous children of Canada through the intergenerational effects of colonial practices such as the Residential School System and the Indian Act. We acknowledge the connection and contributions of the Indigenous peoples of this region to the work we strive to do at Big Brothers Big Sisters. We are committed to using our voice to fight against systems of oppression, and towards Indigenous rights and self-determination.