Novembers Remarks

Hello and welcome to the last Advisory committee of 2021. May tonight and the next month be filled with moments of joy, rest and play. The most radical act one can do is to prioritise rest and I wish this for everyone here tonight.

I’d like to begin with a land acknowledgment and call to action for those of us here as settlers on indigenous lands. I send my deep support and gratitude to the rightful stewards of Turtle Island, I extend my thanks to the Annishabeg people, who’s unceded, unsurrendered Territory is where we meet on. The Inuit who have to leave their homes, families and communities and come south for opportunities and basic rights, and to the land defenders especially those on Wet-su-weten land who are being harmed and violated for corporate greed and national pride. We stand in solidarity with all First Nation, Inuit and Metis people, and seek to take a more active role in our efforts to support them in every space we share.

We will be finalising the subcommittees tonight so I encourage as much or as little support you can offer. I also want to stress that there will always be opportunities to contribute and participate, but if you have other obligations or need to prioritize yourself or your family know that it we appreciate your presence and that will always be enough. You are contributing by just being here. And it is our goal to ensure you feel that attending these meetings are fruitful and of use to you personally as well as a committee.