The territory where I live, work, and explore storytelling in St. Thomas, Ontario is on Treaty 2 land. The lands in this area are the traditional territory of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and Attiwonderonk Peoples. Present-day neighbours are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, the Oneida Nation of the Thames, and the Munsee Delaware Nation. All three communities have histories which extend far beyond their current location in Southwestern Ontario. I am grateful for their stewardship of the water and the land. I stand with all First Nations, Metis and Inuit people, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live. I take seriously my responsibility to seek out reliable sources of information about the land on which I explore oral storytelling and to make meaningful connections with my First Nations neighbours. I commit to learning more through my own research and I am open to hearing from any community members and neighbours (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) who would like to deepen my understanding of this land and its history as well as share their visions for its future. Thank you.

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As an oral storyteller, my personal commitments to Truth and Reconciliation  on February 18, 2023 are as follows:

• Seek out opportunities to explore the work of Indigenous Creatives, especially storytellers.

• Send resources to SC-CC for sharing with other members.

• Continue to read about Indigenous Cultures and their Stories.

• Find ways to access Indigenous Storytelling Online.

• Attend events where the public is encouraged to attend.

• Practice smudging. When smudging, ask for ways and means to establish my commitment to reconciliation.

• Talk to other storytellers about Truth and Reconciliation.