Land Acknowledgement

In the spirit of reconciliation, respect, reciprocity, and truth, we honour and acknowledge that we live,
work and play on the traditional territories of Indigenous people.

Kelowna
We acknowledge that main office, YLW Medevac base and Southern Interior Flight Centre operate from
the Kelowna International Airport, the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan
People.

Vancouver
We acknowledge that YVR Medevac base operates from Vancouver International Airport which sits on
the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam people.

Calgary
We acknowledge that YYC Metro base operates from the Calgary International Airport which sits on the
traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy.

Carson Air believes that acknowledging the land we are fortunate to live and work on, and the people
who came before us, is an important step toward reconciliation. We encourage everyone to educate
themselves on land acknowledgments and Canada’s history with Indigenous people.

What is a land acknowledgement and why do we do it?
A territorial or land acknowledgement recognize the traditional territory of the Indigenous people who
called the land home before the arrival of settlers, and in many cases still do call it home. Acknowledging
someone’s territory was done as a sign of respect to the people whose territory you were entering and
the wisdom and resources that their people provide. Indigenous peoples have been acknowledging the
land at the start of gatherings, ceremonies and events for time immemorial. With the release of the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission, more non‐Indigenous people are becoming aware of the
importance.
Providing a land acknowledgement gives time for reflection and demonstrates recognition of Indigenous
lands, treaties and peoples. It involves thinking about what happened in the past and what changes can
be made going forward in order to further the reconciliation process. Land acknowledgements mark a
small and important step in the process of reconciliation and building a positive relationship with
Indigenous peoples. By making a land acknowledgement we are taking part in an act of reconciliation,
honouring the land and Indigenous presence which dates back over 10,000 years.
Using and participating in a land acknowledgement is a way to recognize the enduring presence and
resilience of Indigenous peoples in this area for time immemorial. They are also a reminder that we are
all accountable to these relationships.