# BACKGROUND An acknowledgement of territory is a recognition of the peoples that have lived in and on the territory since time immemorial. Not only is it a recognition, but the acknowledgement of territory also respects and acknowledges the people's ownership, relationship, and land stewardship to the land they | | | |---|---| | Type | PDF | | Size | 127 KB | [Open original PDF →](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/F3_Territory-Acknowledgement.pdf) Referenced from: [Documents & Reports](/pages/about/reports/) ## Document text SUBJECT ## BACKGROUND An acknowledgement of territory is a recognition of the peoples that have lived in and on the territory since time immemorial. Not only is it a recognition, but the acknowledgement of territory also respects and acknowledges the people's ownership, relationship, and land stewardship to the land they have lived in and on since time immemorial. An acknowledgement of territory demonstrates an understanding of the history, of the area, and the peoples that have lived in and on the territory since time immemorial. To acknowledge the territory of the peoples who have lived there since time immemorial demonstrates respect and to inform others of whose territory they currently stand on. ## POLICY It is the policy of Northern College to acknowledge the Territory of the Custodians of the Land as a sign of respect and acknowledgement of the significant contribution of the First Peoples to our way of life. ## SCOPE An Acknowledgement of Territory should be given at formal events, forums and at functions such as public meetings, conferences, convocations, events, Board meetings, and official openings. Acknowledgement of Territory should also appear on print publications such as the College view book, annual report, business plan, graduation ceremony booklets and on the College's web site. ## PRINCIPLES/GUIDELINES The 'Territory Acknowledgement Procedure' shall dictate which form the recognition will take. ## RESPONSIBILITY The first person to speak at an event or function (following the welcome or in the absence of a welcome) whenever possible, a non-Indigenous person should give the Acknowledgment of Territory. It is not necessary for subsequent speakers to give an Acknowledgement. | ISSUE DATE | SUPERSEDES | MANDATORY REVIEW DATE | REFERENCE | SECTION | PAGE OF | | --- Source: [https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/F3_Territory-Acknowledgement.pdf](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/F3_Territory-Acknowledgement.pdf)