Puslinch Land Acknowledgement
In 2023, the Township of Puslinch Council adopted the following Land Acknowledgement. This statement is made at the beginning of each Heritage Advisory Committee meeting and at each inaugural meeting of Council:
Land Acknowledgment
The lands we know today as the Township of Puslinch have been home to
Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. We acknowledge that we are on the traditional
territory of the Hatiwendaronk, as well as the treaty lands and traditional territory of the
Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee.
With increasing encroachment by non-Indigenous settlers in the Township of Puslinch, the
Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee could not continue their traditional lifestyle and settled in their villages along the Credit River and in the Grand River Valley. These Indigenous nations uphold their Treaty Rights within our jurisdiction.
Today, the Township of Puslinch remains home to Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We are grateful to have the opportunity to share and respect Mother Earth and are
committed to building constructive and cooperative relationships with the Indigenous nations.
Pronunciation Guides
Hatiwendaronk – (Hat-ee-wen-da-ronk)
Anishinaabe – (Ah-nish-uh-nah-bay)
Haudenosaunee – (Ho-den-no-show-nee)
What is a Land Acknowledgement and Why do we do it?
A land acknowledgment is a statement meant to honour, respect, and recognize the Nations that live within a given territory. Land acknowledgments are traditionally an Indigenous practice and Indigenous peoples have been acknowledging the land at the start of gatherings, ceremonies, and events since time immemorial. Non-Indigenous people are becoming more aware of the importance of a land acknowledgement since the release of the Truth of Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Offering a land acknowledgement at the beginning of an event or meeting allows for a moment of reflection, recognition of, and respect for the Indigenous lands, treaties, and peoples. Reflecting on the past and the changes that can be made in the reconciliation process going forward. Land acknowledgments are a small, yet important step in the process of reconciliation.
Township Consultation
Providing Archaeological & Cultural Heritage Services (A.S.I.) was retained by the Chief Administrative Officers (CAO’s) of six of the local municipalities within Wellington County to assist in the development of Indigenous land acknowledgments for the municipalities.
A.S.I worked with a working group made up of the municipal CAO’s which was led by Andy Goldie (former CAO of the Township of Centre Wellington) in 2019, Derrick Thomson (former CAO of the Town of Minto) between January and March, 2022, and Glenn Schwendinger (CAO of the Township of Puslinch) for the remainder of the project.
This report focuses on the land acknowledgment for the Township of Puslinch.
Additional Resources
To learn about the Hatiwendaronk (Neutral Nation) in Puslinch history, and a brief history of the treaties signed within Puslinch, view this report.
Wellington County Museum and Archive Resources
Uncover some more of Puslinch’s history when you visit the Wellington County Museum and Archives website!
Or, visit them in person at 0536 Wellington Rd 18, Fergus ON, N1M 2W3.
Phone: 519-846-0916 ext.5221 -or- 1-800-663-0750 ext.5221
Email: wcma@wellington.ca
Canada’s Indigenous history
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of Residential School Survivors, families and communities are honoured and kept safe for future generations.
To read the reports from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, please visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.
For more information about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, please visit the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada webpage.
Other Resources
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former Residential School students. You can access emotion and crisis referral services by calling 24-Hour National Crisis Line:
The National Residential School Crisis Line: (1-888-925-4419)