We are on Indigenous land

Learn the truth about Turtle Island and the people who were here first.

This site is about honesty: what Canada did – and still does – to Indigenous Peoples, and what real respect and solidarity look like for everyone living here now.

Content warning: residential schools, violence, racism.
Made in so‑called Canada • For everyone
Remember the first peoples
Land • Language • Resistance
Add your own photos later
This spot is for powerful images of Elders, land, language, powwows, community and culture – shared with consent and pride. You can swap this out for a real photo grid whenever you like.
Always say the Nations
Oneida • Mississaugas of the Credit • Many Treaty holders across Turtle Island
This is a living space – update it as you learn more.
Truth
This isn't “in the past”
Residential schools only fully closed in 1997. Survivors and their children are alive today.
Responsibility
We all live on treaty land
If you live in so‑called Canada, you are part of agreements made with Indigenous Nations.
Respect
Learning is the first step
Newcomers and people born here both need to listen, learn and act with humility.
History that schools watered down

What actually happened

Every Nation has its own stories, laws and teachings. Use this as a starting point – then go learn from Indigenous voices where you live.

Before colonization

Complex Nations. Strong laws. Real relationships.

Indigenous Peoples lived here for thousands of years with their own governments, languages, laws and ways of caring for the land. Trade routes, diplomacy and agreements already existed long before Europeans arrived. Calling this “empty land” was a lie used to justify theft.
Sovereign Nations Treaty relationships Turtle Island
Colonial policies

How the Canadian state tried to erase Indigenous Peoples

The Indian Act, pass system, land theft, the reserve system, bans on ceremonies and languages – these were not “mistakes”. They were deliberate plans to break Nations and take land and resources. Churches and the government worked together to run residential schools that tore children away from families and tried to erase who they were.
Indian Act Pass system Residential schools
It didn't end. It changed shape.

The impact you don't see on TV

Violence against Indigenous Peoples is not an “issue” – it's a system. You can't fix what you refuse to name.

Tap a year
A very short timeline of policies and resistance.
1880s · Residential schools expand

The Canadian state and churches open more schools whose whole goal is to “kill the Indian in the child”. Children are taken far from home, abused and often never return.

Generations grow up in institutions instead of with family, language and ceremony.

Ongoing harm

Why you still see violence and injustice today

When you see high numbers of Indigenous kids in care, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, or land defenders being arrested for protecting water – that's not a “community problem”. It's the same system continuing. Governments, corporations and some people still put profit, comfort and denial ahead of Indigenous lives.
Child welfare system MMIWG2S Land & water defenders
For newcomers, settlers & everyone living here now

Don't just live here. Show respect.

It's not about feeling guilty forever. It's about taking responsibility, listening and backing Indigenous leadership with real action.

Checklist

How to be a real ally (not just online)

Learn whose land you are on and say those Nation names out loud.
Listen to Indigenous voices – writers, artists, Elders, youth, organizers.
Call out disrespect when you hear people being racist or dismissive.
Support Indigenous-led work with time, money and skills when asked.
Learn the treaties in your area and what your responsibilities are as a guest here.
Make it local

Turn this website into action where you live

Use this space for your own words. You can add:
  • Names of the Nations whose land you're on
  • Links to local friendship centres or community groups
  • Events, marches or teachings happening near you
  • Your own story of why this matters to you

You can change colours, add your own art and update this page as you learn more.

Keep learning

Real resources to dig deeper

These are examples – replace or add links to Indigenous‑created content and organizations you trust.

Links

Websites, reports & videos

Gallery

Add your photos & community moments

You can link to the Gallery page for photos of powwows, protests, beadwork, land and community.

Open Gallery