Land Acknowledgement
I am honoured to live and work on this land and the people who preserve, conserve, and steward it. The land I work on sits on the traditional territories of many Indigenous nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. As an immigrant to this land and racialized person, I recognize the importance of upholding, respecting and living by the treaties of this land including The Two Row Wampum & Covenant Chain, The Dish with One Spoon, The Treaty of Niagara, and The Toronto “Purchase.” I respect and stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and their histories and voices by doing my part towards truth and reconciliation. I recognize that being an accomplice (a term Parker McMullen Bushman refers to as someone who is willing to lose something in their fight to take actions against systemic oppression versus an ally who is less “on the hook”), is not an identity but rather continuous actions and patterns of behaviour, relationship-building, learning and listening. I value the ancestors of the land, the current Indigenous communities, and the generations to come who continue to uphold Tkaronto’s culture, history, and land.
I recognize the work of Indigenous museum professionals and artists as well as Indigenous-run GLAM spaces and their efforts towards decolonization through shared authority and self-determination. I want to acknowledge the underrepresentation of Indigenous women in the GLAM sector in Canada and the multiple barriers they face to participate in the practices of these institutions at all levels. It is my intention to better address this gap through my work by de-centering colonial and settler voices and authority and honour indigenous voices in research and museum practices; prioritize polyvocal representation and community-engaged practices/work in museums; contribute to anti-oppressive and EDI museum work; and acknowledge the imperial and colonial origins of too many museums.
Sources and Further Reading
About The 519 » Land Acknowledgement
Activating Diversity and Inclusion: A Blueprint for Museum Educators as Allies and Change Makers
Culture of Care: Parker McMullen Bushman
Native Land Digital
Treaties for Torontonians
We Are All on Native Land: A Conversation about Land Acknowledgments About Maya
Presently, I am a graduate student pursuing a Master’s of Museum Studies at the University of Toronto. I am looking to contribute to museum EDI (equity, diversity, inclusion) initiatives. During my undergraduate degree, I contrasted local and international art galleries and museums. By working locally and seeking out international GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, museums) institutions, I became fascinated with the different approaches to storytelling and community relations. I wish to contribute to the future of museum studies and its efforts to decolonialize and include community voices. My current involvement in EDI initiatives at graduate school and work with local, community-based organizations will continue to inform my objectives in the museum field blending theoretical and practical. My work is thoughtful, intentional and prioritizes communication.Outside of academics, I founded a restaurant review website (thefoodphilosopher) with a philosophical bent where I share and engage with culture and people. My creative pursuits have led me to dance and photography. As an emerging museum professional, I am enthusiastic about hearing your ideas about the future of the field, so feel free to connect!