Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Statement
and Land Acknowledgment
Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Statement
At JobStart we go above and beyond our call of duty to assure that we create a diverse, equitable and more inclusive environment not only for our employees but also for our stakeholders. Our employees belong from diverse communities of Toronto and Greater Toronto Region and everyday we leave no stone unturned to assure that they feel acknowledged and encouraged. We strive to build communities that are fully inclusive and are grateful that our jobs allow us to work on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion everyday.
Land Acknowledgement
JobStart rests on traditional territory of the Anishnaabe (Ah Nish NA Be) and Haudenosaunee (Ho due na Show Ne) Peoples; the land of Petun and Huron/Wendat Peoples as well as the Mississaugas of the Credit.
These lands are covered by the (1923) Williams Treaty and the Dish with One Spoon Wampum. The Williams Treaty is comprised of Mississauguas of Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Beausoleil First Nation, Georgina Island First Nation and the Rama First Nation. The Dish with One Spoon is between the Anishinaabe (Ah Nish NA Be) and the Haudenesaunee (Ho due na Show Ne) and other nations to share the resources and the caretaking of this land.
The Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt and Covenant; according to Haudenosaunee knowledge systems is represented by one large bowl and one spoon; where the bowl represents nature, and the spoon represents the taking/receiving of sustenance. We all have equal access and we are all eating out of the same bowl, we are meant to peacefully share the bounty
Four things to note about the Dish with One Spoon
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You take what you need for you and your family, and leave the rest for others
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You always leave something in the dish for other peoples, animals, insects and the plants (and future generations)
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There is no knife or other sharp objects
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You must keep the bowl clean (from pollution, toxics and etc – this includes the waters, air and land)
This all portrays Principles of ecological Indigenous knowledges (the Natural World & Reciprocity), ecological justice, sustainability.
Land Acknowledgement is only a start towards Truth-seeking and true Reconciliation, not the end. As peoples who have benefited immensely, we have an obligation to take steps in our everyday actions personally and professionally to restore justice, balance and reciprocity on Turtle Island.
It is important to note that Turtle Island and Canada will only be at its best when all of its people – Indigenous, Newcomer, Old-stock Immigrants and the descendants of those forcibly brought here are able to contribute to their full potential.
Williams Treaty Source: https://williamstreatiesfirstnations.ca/about-williams-treaties-first-nations/
Dish with One Spoon Covenant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5szQHeQ9FM