Land Acknowledgement and Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action 92

The Edmonton International Street Performers Association (EISPFA) respectfully acknowledges that we are located in amiskwacîwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ, on Treaty 6 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 4. This is the ancestral and traditional territory of the Cree, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, Tsuut’ina, Dene, Saulteaux and Métis, whose histories, languages and cultures continue to cultivate and influence this land and our communities. Our StreetFest site, Sir Winston Churchill Square, is located on the territory of the Cree, Michif Piyii (Métis), Tsuut’ina, and Nêhiyaw-Askiy ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐊᐢᑭᕀ (Plains Cree) and Niitsítpiis-stahkoii ᖹᐟᒧᐧᐨᑯᐧ ᓴᐦᖾᐟ (Blackfoot/Niitsítapi ᖹᐟᒧᐧᒣᑯ).Our offices are located on the territory of the Woodland Cree, Michif Piyii (Métis), Tsuut’ina, and Nêhiyaw Askiy ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐊᐢᑭᕀ (Plains Cree), which is the neighborhood currently known as Oliver and in Ward 6: Métis.*

EISPFA recognizes that upholding mutual respect between Indigenous nations and settlers is an ongoing process which includes recognizing and uplifting Indigenous cultural self-determination. As historical arbiters of cultural legitimization, settler art and culture institutions have a responsibility to address the harmful legacies of colonialism which we inherit and uphold. These calls must inform our actions and outputs.

EISPFA has the privilege to exist in virtual spaces, such as our website, APP and social media platforms. Our online presence is contingent on land and resources—as our data is stored in servers across the world.  We actively strive to make space across online platforms and to celebrate and amplify Indigenous voices through sharing and promoting Indigenous content.

*This information was provided on native-land.ca.

In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action – Business and Reconciliation 92; EISPFA commits to adopting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply our principles, norms and standards to our organizational policies and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and their resources.  This includes, but not limited to, the following:

1. Committing to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with projects involving Indigenous peoples, their culture, teachings and practices.
2. Ensuring that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to employment, training and education opportunities offered by the EISPFA.
3. Provide education for EISPFA management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. EISPFA acknowledges that this education requires skill-based training in:
   1. intercultural competency,
   2. conflict resolution,
   3. human rights, and
   4. anti-racism.