We acknowledge the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation of the Anishinaabek Peoples on whose traditional territory we are on.

What is territorial acknowledgement?

A territorial acknowledgement starts with the land: it’s about acknowledging the land we reside on and honoring the relationship between the land and the people living and thriving here long before settlers arrived. It offers an opportunity to pay respect to ancestral and traditional territories; be mindful of our collective role as stewards of the land, and build awareness of present-day Indigenous culture in our community.

Historical background

Archaeological evidence indicates Indigenous Peoples were present in the area now known as Guelph as early as 11,000 years ago.  Up until the 15th century, the Attawandaron people – also known as Neutral – lived, farmed, and hunted in the Guelph area before their settlements moved closer to present-day Hamilton.  At one point, the population of the Attawandaron was approximately 30,000.  The population steadily declined as many died in epidemics of diseases brought from Europe, while others were driven out of the area during wars, or were absorbed into what is today the Six Nations.  After 1690 the Mississauga people entered the area and in 1784 negotiated the sale of a large tract of land, including the location of present-day Guelph, to the British for £1,180.  This transfer of land is covered by an Upper Canada Treaty No. 3, 1792.  Today, Guelph is home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people who have moved to the area from across Turtle Island.