Semiahmoo
Meaning of the word Semiahmoo
What is Half moon?
Meaning of the word Unceded
Unceded means that the land was never legally ceded, or given up to the Crown, through a treaty or other agreement
Meaning of the word ally in indigenous terms
We recognize the privilege that settler cultures have and take for granted.
Our people have inhabited extensive territory across Washington state, the Strait of Georgia (now known as the Salish Sea) and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia for thousands of years.
Ownership of unceded land goes to
The hereditary chiefs have authority over the unceded land and are the titleholders.
It also implies that you challenge and work towards breaking down those barriers that continue to violate Indigenous communities.
1887
Is all land in Canada unceded?
Much of Canada remains unceded territory (see map below). The maritime, large portions of eastern Ontario and Quebec, which includes the Ottawa, were never relinquished by the Indigenous people to European settlers.
What is required to be an ally?
Being an ally requires social action, strength, courage, humility and a support network.
Challenges faced by the Semiahmoo Peoples
Lack of access to clean water and adequate sewage services
How do we acknowledge an unceded territory?
By speaking to the truth of First Nations land claims, stolen lands, and to recognize the fiduciary responsibility of the crown.
What are some simple things we can do to be an ally?
Learn about the injustice towards indigenous peoples. Provide safe places for people to be themselves. Changing our language. Self-reflection on our own biases and motivations.
Traditions that the Semiahmoo people practice
Peaceful lifestyle focused on fishing, especially reef-fishing, oriented around the sea. Traditional art, ceremony, and sustainable development and holistic integration of landscape.
Why do we recognize the land we're on?
To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honoring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial.
Allyship in our work?
Helping individuals recognize and begin to reverse the impact of colonization in their lives by consciously and deliberately creating environments, systems and infrastructures that “center power and control in places where it’s been systematically removed" and by honoring the agency and self-determination of individuals and communities, and trusting that they know what they need. The principles of non-judgement and non-interference, or meeting people where they are at, are foundational.