We are on Stolen Land

Hammer City Roller Derby recognizes and humbly acknowledges that we are gathered today on the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee [hu-dee-no-SHOW-nee],  Anishnaabeg [ah-nee-shee-NAH-bayg] and Mississaugas.

This land is protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement. The "Dish With One Spoon" is a treaty between the Anishnaabeg [ah-nee-shee-NAH-bayg], Mississaugas, and Haudenosaunee [hu-dee-no-SHOW-nee], which bids them to share territory and protect the land around the Great Lakes. Subsequent Indigenous Nations and peoples, Europeans, and all newcomers have been invited into this treaty in the spirit of peace, friendship, and respect.

We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between-the-Lakes Purchase of 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Hamilton, also known as Ohròn:wakon (in the ditch, ravine), is in close approximation to the Six Nations of the Grand River, who still seek resolution and accountability through the courts for assets that have been taken from the Haldimand Tract, a nearly 10-kilometre parcel of land granted to the Haudenosaunee [hu-dee-no-SHOW-nee] through the Haldimand Proclamation of 1784.

We acknowledge the decades of work on behalf of numerous groups to bring the plight of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, transgender and two-spirit people in this country to the forefront. We also recognize the systemic struggles that Indigenous women, girls, transgender and two-spirit folks face on a daily basis.

It is with the intent of commitment to collective responsibility, truth, and reconciliation that Hammer City Roller Derby gathers us here today and honours all Indigenous peoples who have served as keepers of this territory.