The Centre for Employment Innovation operates on the ancestral, unceded territory of Mi’kma’ki, which holds a complex history of—and continues to be impacted by—exploitation, violence, and colonization. We acknowledge Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) people as the original caretakers of this land and recognize the failure of colonial institutions and systems to maintain the Treaties of Peace and Friendship that were intended to guide our presence here.

We also acknowledge the historical presence and contributions of African Nova Scotians and Persons of African descent, whose forced labour played a significant role in forming the foundations of this province, and whose own relationship with land has been complicated by the impacts of slavery and colonization. The labour of refugee and immigrant groups, as well, has been exploited towards the same end.

Race and Indigeneity have been used as tools to oppress and repress various communities across these lands, and the intentional and unintentional maintenance of otherness continues to cause harm and contribute to the grief and trauma of historically excluded groups. As an organization, we take responsibility for learning and seeking long-term transformation in our relationships with land and labour in our province.