DAVIDsTEA is a non-Indigenous brand and company. We acknowledge that we are operating and living on largely unceded Indigenous lands that have been inhabited by many Nations for thousands of years. Tiohtià:ke (Montréal) is the home of our organization and we recognize the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation as the custodians of the land. We also recognize that this area upon which we meet daily to conduct our operations is historically known as a gathering place for many other Indigenous Peoples.
We recognize that our love for the plants and herbs that this wonderful Earth produces, and our passion for tea, is spread across Turtle Island (North America) from coast to coast and reaches beyond the Medicine Line. We are grateful for the Nations that have been and continue to be stewards of the land that provides us with such abundance. We commit to honouring those who have come before us, and we seek to restore good relations while promoting respect for the planet and all people. This is an ongoing effort.
*We would like to note that in order to write this acknowledgement we consulted with Dr. Lyle Keewatin Richards, an Indigenous elder, and we thank him for his time and insight.
What are Land Acknowledgements
Land acknowledgements are a small act of reconciliation towards the Indigenous communities who are the stewards of this land on which most of us are settlers. Increasingly used during events and on documentation for institutions such as schools, museums and governments, land acknowledgements are a way to recognize and respect the Indigenous Peoples and cultures, and to work towards ongoing justice, respect and dignity for all.
Next Steps for DAVIDsTEA
In our ongoing commitment to improving diversity, inclusion and equity at DAVIDsTEA, we are publishing Indigenous land acknowledgements on our website and creating signs for each of our 18 flagship stores. In an effort to support our immediate community in light of recent events, we have held round table conversations and support meetings for our employees, involving the Indigenous community.
We will continue to create time and space for these difficult conversations, for education and for the support of our internal community. We will also continue to cultivate relationships and offer support in various ways (participating in community events, donation campaigns, and more) to the communities affected by these topics. We remain open to opportunities to learn, connect with, and offer support to our various communities.
For any collaboration requests, questions or feedback please contact our customer service team.
Land Acknowledgements for DAVIDsTEA Stores
A list of our store locations can be found here.
It bears repeating here that DAVIDsTEA is a non-Indigenous brand and company. We acknowledge that we are living on largely unceded Indigenous lands that have been inhabited by various Nations for thousands of years. We offer these land acknowledgements as a small step towards reconciliation and as part of our ongoing efforts towards diversity, equity and strong community relationships.
Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA
We acknowledge that the land on which we operate is the traditional land of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Calgary ALBERTA
We acknowledge that the land on which we operate is the traditional land of the Moh’kinsstis, the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
Edmonton ALBERTA
We acknowledge that the land on which we operate is the traditional land of the Tsuut’ina, Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakota Sioux, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Nehiyawak (Cree), Dene Suliné, Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), and the Inuk (Inuit) Peoples.
Winnipeg MANITOBA
We acknowledge that the land on which we operate is the traditional land of the Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Ininew (Cree), Oji-Cree, Dene, and Dakota Peoples. We recognize that this region is the origin of the Métis Nation and the Heart of the Métis Nation Homeland.
London ONTARIO
We acknowledge that the land on which we operate is the traditional land of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron Peoples.
Hamilton ONTARIO
We acknowledge that the land on which we operate is the traditional land of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.
Toronto ONTARIO
We acknowledge that the land on which we operate is the traditional land of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat Peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
Ottawa ONTARIO
We acknowledge that the land on which we operate is the traditional land of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation.
Vaudreuil-Dorion, Pointe-Claire, Laval, Anjou, Brossard, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville QUEBEC
We acknowledge that the land on which we operate is the traditional land of many First Nations including the Kanien’kehá:ka of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Wendake-Nionwentsïo, Huron-Wendat, Abenaki, and Anishinaabe Nations.
Quebec City QUÉBEC
We acknowledge that the land on which we operate is the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat (Wendake-Nionwentsïo) Nations.
Dieppe NEW BRUNSWICK
We acknowledge that the land on which we operate is the traditional land of the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) and Mi’kmaq Peoples.
*NOTE: Lyle Keewatin Richards DSL: Lyle is employed by Central Alberta Children and Family Services as an Aboriginal Relations Facilitator. He is a status Cree Indian born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. His birth family is from Oakanese First Nation in Saskatchewan. Lyle has been working with his Elders and in community development and race relations since 1986. Lately he’s been with Urban Aboriginal Voices, Elders Council and Cultural Circle. Past community involvement includes service with several NGOs, advisory boards, diversity projects and more.
More Resources
We love tea because it brings people together and creates a safe place for important conversations. To find out more about the land upon which you might be sharing a cup of tea, click here. See below for more ways to connect, volunteer and donate.
- Learn more about the Indigenous territories that you live and work on
- Read the rest of the 94 recommended calls to action from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – Released in 2015
- Participate in Truth & Reconciliation Week activities (September 27 – October 1, 2021)
- Native Women’s Association of Canada
- Reconciliation Canada
- Canadian Roots
