About this event

Land / Territory Acknowledgements are unique to place, and the peoples, communities and relationships that grow out of and co-exist in that place. This workshop will provide a deeper understanding of why land/territory acknowledgements are important when striving for improved relationships with Indigenous peoples.

We will explore Indigenous perspectives on land, including the concepts of belonging, interdependence, and knowledge of place, and reflect on the impacts of colonization in Canada with respect to our relationship to the land and all living things. This workshop will set the stage for further personal and collective work on delivering land/territory acknowledgments that reflect a deepening understanding of our responsibilities to the land and to each other as we journey toward a better future together.

This impactful workshop is led by Denise Lecoy, facilitator with kinSHIFT. Situating herself within family and community, Denise is a Syilx-Okanagan woman, daughter, sister, auntie, wife, mother of 6 adult sons, and grandmother who is blessed to live in her home community on the Penticton Indian Reserve. A popular facilitator with IndigenEYEZ, Denise learned the importance of relationships from her father snpinktn Hereditary Chief Adam Eneas. From her mother, Verna Baker of the Sḵwxwú7mesh people, she learned the importance of family.

Denise is an adjunct professor supporting Indigenous students at UBC Okanagan, she teaches Indigenous Studies at Okanagan College, and co-facilitates cultural safety workshops for future health professionals at UBC. Denise holds an MSW as well as a diploma in nursing, and brings 30 years of diverse and in-depth experience in health and social services with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations. Denise finds joy in being out on the land and spending time with her family.