LAND ACKNOWLEDEGMENT

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Momentum Dance Toronto would like to acknowledge that the Toronto dance studios, theatres and event spaces we dance on are situated upon traditional territories of the Wendat (wen-dat), Anishinaabek (ah-nish-nah-bek) Nation, the Haudenosaunee (ho-den-oh-sho-nee), the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations, and the Métis (may-tee).

The treaty that was signed for this particular parcel of land is collectively referred to as the Toronto Purchase and applies to lands east of Brown’s Line to Woodbine Avenue and north towards Newmarket. We also recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on this land.

Dance is an integral part of Indigenous customs. It’s embedded in cultural celebration, connecting people to the earth and the elements. Dance is a beautiful expression of Indigenous history, spirituality and culture, transcending generations.

For the Indigenous Peoples, dance is used to tell a story. It is a physical emotion as the body articulates language and passion while moving to music. Traditional Native dance has enabled the preservation of a culture that has endured centuries of colonial oppression. Dance has been and continues to be a powerful method to protect the sanctity of Indigenous heritage.

As a dance company we use our bodies to connect to the ground. Through movement, control and balance our feet touch the earth to tell a story. As our feet touch this stage we must be aware of the earth below, and its historical connections to the Indigenous. To delve deeply into dance is to experience truth.

Truth is recognizing the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on this land. Truth is reconciliation and being cognizant of the past and the future.

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