Advertisement

Pride Toronto apologizes for land acknowledgment that omitted Indigenous communities

Pride Toronto says it still has more work to do to become truly "intersectional, radically anti-racist and anti-oppressive.".
Pride Toronto says it still has more work to do to become truly "intersectional, radically anti-racist and anti-oppressive.". Twitter / @kiwinerd

TORONTO – The group that organizes Toronto’s annual Pride parade has apologized for displaying a land acknowledgment that failed to mention any of Canada’s Indigenous communities.

Pride Toronto faced sharp criticism online over the sign, which encouraged attendees to connect with the land they were on.

But many pointed out that the land acknowledgment – which is supposed to recognize the Indigenous communities who were displaced by European settlers – did not mention that Toronto is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

The only reference to First Nations, Metis and Indigenous communities in the acknowledgment was the inclusion of the Ojibwe phrase “chi miigwetch,” meaning “thank you.”

Story continues below advertisement

In a statement posted to Facebook, Pride Toronto says that in failing to mention the traditional land on which the festival took place, the organization contributed to the erasure of two-spirited and LGBTQ Indigenous communities.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The organization says it still has more work to do to become truly “intersectional, radically anti-racist and anti-oppressive.”

WATCH: Toronto celebrates pride with one of North America’s largest parades

Click to play video: 'Toronto celebrates pride with one of North America’s largest parades'
Toronto celebrates pride with one of North America’s largest parades

Sponsored content

AdChoices