Land Acknowledgement

Bespoke Learning is based in Tkaronto / Toronto, Ontario.

We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of many Nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, and that this land is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

We recognize that this area is governed by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and that other treaties, including the Williams Treaties, continue to shape relationships across this region.

Many people also describe this territory as part of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt. This law and treaty calls different Nations to share the land and care for it so that the dish is never empty for future generations.

We understand that there are different teachings and perspectives about these treaties. Our acknowledgement will evolve as we learn.

Why We Acknowledge the Land

We offer this acknowledgement to:

• Recognize that the lands where we teach and learn are Indigenous lands
• Name the ongoing impacts of colonization, dispossession and systemic racism
• Situate our work as a tutoring and education company within those realities
• Commit to learning from Indigenous Peoples and to changing our own practices

We understand that a land acknowledgement is not reconciliation by itself. It is a starting point. Our responsibility is to link this statement to concrete action.

Our Commitments in Practice

As an education provider working in and from Tkaronto, we commit to:

• Learning and unlearning. Continuing our own study of Indigenous histories, treaties, residential schools, and contemporary issues, guided by Indigenous voices and public resources such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
• Respectful representation. Including Indigenous perspectives, texts and examples in our teaching only in ways that are accurate, contextualized and respectful, and avoiding cultural appropriation
• Student learning. Encouraging students to understand the histories of the lands where they live, including local Nations and treaties, as part of responsible global citizenship
• Accessibility and belonging. Designing our learning environments to support students who experience intersecting barriers, including Indigenous students, students with disabilities and students who face racism
• Listening and response. Taking feedback from Indigenous students, families, educators and community members seriously and adjusting our practices when we cause harm

These commitments are ongoing work rather than a completed checklist.

Relationship to Community

Bespoke Learning primarily offers online services. Our operations, staff, and many of our students are still connected to the lands and waters of this territory.

We aim to:

• Seek guidance from Indigenous led organizations when we design new initiatives that touch on Indigenous content
• Support Indigenous led projects and education efforts where possible, for example through paid learning opportunities, partnerships or donations
• Prioritize Indigenous expertise and lived experience when we make decisions about Indigenous related curriculum or programming

We recognize that these intentions must be matched by specific actions and accountability over time.

Accountability and Feedback

We welcome feedback on this Land Acknowledgement, especially from First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

If you see errors, omissions, or language that harms rather than helps, we invite you to contact us so we can correct it.

We review this page regularly as part of our wider work on equity, accessibility and inclusion.