Land Acknowledgement

In March 2023, Council adopted Richmond Hill’s first official Land Acknowledgement Statement, developed after consultation with First Nations and Indigenous Communities. The official Land Acknowledgement Statement is: 

"We are gathering on lands that have been home to First Nations Peoples from time immemorial. We acknowledge that what we now call Richmond Hill is on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations of the Williams Treaty. We also recognize that we are on part of the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and the Huron Wendat.  

We would also like to acknowledge all First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples from across North America, also known as Turtle Island, who now reside in the City of Richmond Hill. We are committed to rebuilding constructive and cooperative relationships."

As of April 2023, Richmond Hill’s Land Acknowledgement will be read:

• At the beginning of every regular Council meeting by the Chair prior to the National Anthem;
• For all City-led events through Cultural Services where there is an official welcome with Council and local dignitaries. In such cases, the Land Acknowledgment would be read by the Mayor or designate at the beginning of the ceremony, prior to the National Anthem, if played.