We acknowledge that these nations predate Canada by many millennia and maintain a connection with this land that has existed since time immemorial.  As a non-profit focused on building community, we are humbled by the strength of Indigenous caring networks, cultural institutions and traditional systems of governance that continue to thrive in this region 

We also recognize the violence of Canadian colonialism as well as the ways in which it is still working to undermine Indigenous communities and dispossess Indigenous nations of their territory.  We fully acknowledge the role that the immigration system plays in this effort through its assertion of Canadian authority over this land.   As an agency that is a part of this system, we know we are falling short in our attempts to challenge continued colonial violence and we are committed to shifting towards something better in relation with Indigenous people.

Through the services we offer, we are also committed to calling attention to the contested nature of this land, the ways in which Canada works to forcibly “integrate” Indigenous people into Canadian culture and the importance of standing in solidarity with Indigenous communities in movements for justice.  We encourage anyone who comes to live in the Columbia-Shuswap to connect with local Indigenous communities, make time to learn about the history of colonialism in Canada and take up the responsibilities that come with being a settler in this beautiful part of the world.