Many of the issues which have impacted our queer communities and especially the Indigenous peoples who are part of them, in particular Two-Spirit and IndigiQueer people who have inhabited Turtle Island from time immemorial, have direct roots in the long history of colonialism in North America. We acknowledge that we meet on what is described as Treaty 6 territory – but which is the traditional lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, and Métis nations.

We also acknowledge that the treaties have not been fulfilled in either letter or spirit. Each of us has a responsibility to learn more about the treaty system and how its abuses have affected Indigenous people and settlers. We acknowledge the long and vibrant history of traditional Indigenous lands.. For our part, we consider how we can better treat each other and fulfill the recommendations in the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.