I am a fourth generation white settler on Turtle Island, in a place now called Canada. My family came here from England, Scotland and Ireland, and settled in the areas of Cape Breton Island (Unama’ki), traditional lands of many Mi’kma’ki nations and part of the Wabanaki Confederacy, and in the Ottawa River valley (where I was born and grew up), the traditional lands of the Anishinabeg, Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) and Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) peoples. I now live and work (and host this website) in Tkaronto/Toronto, land that is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Metis. For generations, these peoples have cared and continue to care for this land which now provides for me, my family and my community.
I also recognize that this land is home to many immigrants and descendants of immigrants who have come from all over the Earth, some voluntarily, some seeking refuge from violence, and some whose ancestors were brought forcibly as slaves. I acknowledge those whose labour and presence is an ongoing contribution to the vitality of this place and community that I live in.
As an urban planner, I acknowledge the history of cities and their development in Canada, the very existance of which is built on the dispossesion and displacement of sovereign Indigenous peoples, both throughout history and in current times. I acknowledge the role of urban planning in the marginalisation and displacement of Black people, people of colour, people living in poverty and/or people living with disability. And as a researcher of “public participation”, “engagement”, and “consultation”, I acknowledge that too often these practices have not and still do not give space to the voices of people who are oppressed and marginalised. As I find my way in this field of practice, I endeavour to contribute toward building equitable futures, free of systemic violence and oppression.
I acknowledge the priviledges of my life: education, healthcare, access to good food and water, secure housing, an able body, freedom to safely travel around the world, and freedom from violence, oppression and discrimination. I recognize that many people who live on this land do not have the same priviledges. I am grateful for this life I have been given, and am learning to live with compassion and responsibility towards this land and for the people upon it.