Territorial Acknowledgement
Territorial Acknowledgement
Rocky Point Bird Observatory acknowledges with respect Scia’new and T’Sou-ke First Nations on whose territory we work, as well as the many other Lekwungen and WSÁNEĆ peoples of the region. We recognize their leadership, and that of all Indigenous peoples, for time immemorial in protecting the lands and waters to the benefit of birds and people alike.
We believe that acknowledgement is only the first step in a much longer journey of recognition, respect, reconciliation, and partnership. We are proud of the work we’ve done to support Indigenous stewardship initiatives, as well as eager to expand that support. If your Nation or community is interested in discussing ways we can utilize our expertise and network of dedicated volunteers to support your work, please contact us at rpbo@rpbo.org. Examples of ways we have partnered with indigenous initiatives in the past and can continue to expand partnership efforts in the future include:
- Educational outreach opportunities for youth and community members on bird identification and conservation
- Monitoring support from our network of skilled staff and volunteers to help answer questions around birds at specific sites, both marine and terrestrial
- Letters of support and awareness for community-led stewardship initiatives such as Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and Marine Protected Areas
We encourage all Rocky Point Bird Observatory members to take the time to educate themselves about the communities on whose territories we live and work. To that end, we have put together a short list of resources we found helpful in our journey and which we hope you too might appreciate.
Doing a Territory Acknowledgment: How and Why by Dr. Rob Hancock, University of Victoria
A brief overview of both the significance and reasoning behind Territorial Acknowledgements as well as a roadmap to the different First Nations and Indigenous languages of southern Vancouver Island
Sci’anew First Nation’s website where you can hear about the community in their own words and learn about everything from programming to news about sustainable development initiatives
T'Sou-ke First Nation’s website which features the community’s newsletter as well as resources such as their sustainable solar program and greenhouse initiative
A local First Nations-owned and operated publishing house which offers access to books by Indigenous authors on all manner of topics
A free, online resource that can be used as a first step in learning the traditional lands of indigenous peoples in any location worldwide
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
Information on B.C. Government reconciliation initiatives with the First Nations and Indigenous peoples of British Columbia, listings on Indigenous community-based services and organizations, and information on government services.