“Talent is a pursued interest. Anything you practice, you can do.“

BOB ROSS

Land Acknowledgement: (from EDTE 3150)

I respectfully acknowledge that I live on and benefit from what is recognized as the Traditional and unceded territory of the Semiahmoo First Nation in the settler region known as South Surrey – White Rock. This land has also traditionally been used by the sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie); Kwantlen; W̱SÁNEĆ; Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes; and S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō). I acknowledge these Nations have been the co-stewards of this land since time immemorial.

As a settler and uninvited guest on this land, I acknowledge that I am contributing to the colonization and displacement of the Indigenous communities of Turtle Island. I recognize that by living within settler boundaries, such as those established by the Oregon Treaty, I am contributing to a system of control and oppression which has harmed Indigenous Peoples and isolated their communities from their Traditional villages, fishing sites, and even each other; such is the case for the Semiahmoo First Nation who have been separated from their Peoples in the Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Tribe. I acknowledge my contribution to the ongoing harm, hurt, and displacement of these communities.

I want to express my gratitude to the sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ, Kwantlen, W̱SÁNEĆ, Semiahmoo, and S’ólh Téméxw Nations; the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes; and the non-human beings who have existed here since time immemorial for providing my family with a place of shelter and safety. I am thankful for the privilege to be able to study the ecosystems of this land, to hike in its forests, and to enjoy its beaches, and I acknowledge the stewards of this land, both human and non-human, who have cared for the land and made this possible.