Calgary
Our Calgary office operates on Treaty 7 territory. The land is known by many names, including Moh'kinsstis (Blackfoot), Wincheesh-pah (Nakoda), Otos-kwunee (Cree), Kootsisáw (Tsuu'tina), and Klincho-tinay-indihay (Slavey), which describe the curve where the Elbow and Bow Rivers meet.
This land is the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani First Nations), the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations (compromising the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley First Nations) and the Tsuut’ina First Nation. It is also home to the historic Northwest Métis and to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
First Nations signatories of Treaty 7 understood it at the time to be a peace treaty that promoted harmonious cohabitation in exchange for a series of promises. None thought that it was a land surrender. Without accurate linguistic interpretation and cultural competence, the Canadian government codified a misunderstood arrangement.
We acknowledge our responsibility as settlers to seek out, learn and share this history and honour Indigenous perspectives of Treaty 7.
Toronto
Our Toronto office is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabe, the Chippewa, the Wendat, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Toronto itself is a word that originates from the Mohawk word “Tkaronto,” meaning “where there are trees in the water.” It refers to the stakes that people drove into the river narrows to create enclosures to catch fish. Originally used for a location north of the city, the name migrated south along a portage route to Lake Ontario.
This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum, a covenant between the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabe and allied nations to share and care for the land in the same way that people would share a meal – by keeping the dish clean, taking only what is needed, and leaving something for others to ensure the dish is never empty.
As people who live and work on this land, we acknowledge our responsibility to honour the spirit of this agreement with respect and humility.
Vancouver
Our Vancouver office is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. The way we characterize the People’s relationship to these lands is important:
- Traditional: recognizes that the lands have been traditionally used and/or occupied by the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples.
- Ancestral: describes how the land has been handed down from generation to generation.
- Unceded: means that the land was never legally given up to the Crown through a treaty or other agreement.
We acknowledge that the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh have lived here since time immemorial and have a long-established history of settlement, stewardship of the land and harvesting of resources. They will will always retain their jurisdiction and relationships with the territory.
Remote office locations
Habanero employees also work remotely from many locations across Turtle Island, including:
- Chilliwack, British Columbia, the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Stó:lō Coast Salish peoples
- Langford, British Columbia, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish, specifically Xwsepsum (Esquimalt), Lekwungen (Songhees), Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay), and the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples represented by the Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum, and Malahat Nations
- Penticton, British Columbia, the traditional unceded Territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation
- Smoky Lake, Alberta, the homeland of Métis Nation and Territory of Dene, Cree, Nakota Sioux and Saulteaux Nations under Treaty 6
- Windsor, Ontario, which sits on the Three Fires Confederacy's traditional territory of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi nations and has been home to many other indigenous peoples throughout its history
- Winnipeg, Manitoba, in Treaty 1 Territory, home of the Ininew, Anishinaabe, and Dakota peoples, and in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis
We acknowledge the traditional owners and caretakers of those lands.
About these statements
These land acknowledgements were developed in consultation with Habanero’s Equity and Belonging team, with information available from the City of Calgary, Calgary Public Library, Toronto Public Library, United Way, City of Vancouver and University of British Columbia and feedback from Indigenous scholars and community members.
These statements are a work in progress and may evolve as we continue to learn. We’re open to suggested changes, additions and other feedback from Indigenous communities. If you have any questions or comments, please share them with us.
