Land acknowledgement
An effort towards reconciliation
I acknowledge that Atelier Smile is located on unceded Indigenous lands. Tiohtià:ke/Montréal is historically known as a gathering place for several First Nations. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we settlers gather and live today. The Kanien’kehá:ka have historical and ongoing presence on the island and two communities bordering Montreal: Kahnawà:ke and Kanehsatá:ke.
I intentionally write this acknowledgment as a first step towards a future that undoes the damage done by centuries of colonialism. Atelier Smile is a healthcare organization with deep rooted values of community wellness. As a dental hygienist, I will work by better understanding First Nations cultures and values to prevent disease, help improve oral health, and overall health.
I identify as a recent person of colour arrival to this territory. I was born on this land, and am part of a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. I respect the continued connections with the past, present and future of the people of Tiohtià:ke/Montréal. I will work to understand and dismantle and disrupt colonialism alongside my Indigenous and other neighbors.
-Roshni Desai, RDH
Sources:
- 1 octobre 2022
