I take this opportunity to honor the ancestral and traditional lands that have shaped my identity and worldview. Growing up in Punjab, India, I am deeply connected to the “Land of Five Rivers,” a region rich in cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. Punjab, once home to the ancient Indus Valley civilization, holds a profound legacy of resilience and community. I especially acknowledge the farming and artisan communities that have sustained this fertile land for generations through their dedication and sustainable practices. Punjab’s history is also marked by struggles and sacrifices, such as those during the partition of India, which have instilled in me a sense of gratitude for its resources and people.
Today, I live and work as an uninvited guest on the treaty lands and traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the rightful land of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Wendat peoples. I reside in Etobicoke, a region historically known as Adoobiigok, the “Place of the Black Alders” in Michi Saagiig language. This area, situated along the Humber River Watershed, has long served as a vital connection for the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Wendat peoples. Humber College, where I study, stands on these traditional and treaty lands, now home to many diverse nations. I honor the Indigenous communities whose traditions, languages, and cultures are integral to this land’s identity. I reflect on the resilience of elders who have passed and the wisdom they have left behind. As an immigrant, I carry a deep respect for the traditions and teachings of Indigenous peoples and recognize the importance of reconciliation.