Purpose acknowledges that our lives and work impact the lands which have been stewarded by Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. We recognize that in many cases they have been displaced from this land through immoral and/or illegal actions. We also recognize that their deep and enduring relationship with the land, waters, and many inhabitants has given them important knowledge about how to put sustainability into practice.

By excluding Indigenous Peoples from decision-making, this knowledge has not been incorporated in the settlers’ development on these lands, and the benefits have been inequitably distributed. We believe it is time to seek opportunities to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities as true partners, to address these power imbalances.

Indigenous people have hoped since the first arrival of settlers that the relationship would be more equitable.

When the Dutch arrived to settle on Turtle Island (also known as North America), they and the Haudenosaunee needed to find a way to greet each other when they met. The settlers wanted to be called “Father,” where they would call the Haudenosaunee “Son.” Instead, the Haudenosaunee said, “we shall address each other as ‘Brothers.’ This shows that we are equal to each other.”

The Two Row Wampum belt records the resulting treaty made between the Haudenosaunee and the Dutch. The Haudenosaunee used the belt to symbolize their and the settlers' ways of living. It had two purple rows running the length of the belt. “In one row is a ship with our White Brothers’ ways; in the other a canoe with our ways. Each will travel down the river of life side by side as equals, neither attempting to steer the other’s vessel.”

The principles of friendship, peace, and forever-lasting relationships embodied in the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty serve as an inspiration for us. We aim to embed collaboration, respect, and equity into our work for a future that brings a halt to colonial attitudes and is sustainable for all.