Land Acknowledgment

Our Land, Our Promise

Hope for Homes honors the Mi'kmaq territory we live on, committing to Indigenous-led housing solutions rooted in respect and cultural safety.

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Community Trust

Endorsed

Your Questions

What is land acknowledgment?

A land acknowledgment is a way of recognizing that the land we live, work, and build upon has a long history — one that begins long before colonial settlement. It is a public expression of respect for the Mi’kmaq People, who have lived in Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia and surrounding regions) since time immemorial.

In Nova Scotia, we live within the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, signed between the Mi’kmaq and the British Crown in the 1700s. These treaties were not about giving up land, but about living together in mutual respect, peace, and cooperation.

A land acknowledgment reminds us that reconciliation is not just words — it is about honouring those treaties through action, partnership, and shared responsibility.

Why is it important?

Land acknowledgment is important because it helps build awareness and accountability. It reminds us that the land carries stories, responsibilities, and relationships that continue today.

By acknowledging the Mi’kmaq as the original and continuing caretakers of this land, we recognize the ongoing impacts of colonization and the importance of restoring balance through meaningful partnership.

For Hope for Homes, acknowledgment is not symbolic — it is part of our everyday work. It guides how we plan communities, engage with Elders, and ensure Indigenous leadership is reflected in every decision.

How does Hope for Homes help?

Hope for Homes supports reconciliation through action-based housing solutions that are Indigenous-led, culturally grounded, and community-focused.

We help by:

• Partnering with Indigenous leaders and organizations to design and manage housing that reflects community needs and cultural values.

• Creating affordable housing models rooted in cooperation and shared stewardship.

• Promoting Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk) — combining Indigenous knowledge and modern building practices to serve both people and planet.

• Embedding education and cultural respect into every project, ensuring all residents feel seen, respected, and connected.

Through these actions, Hope for Homes helps transform acknowledgment into practice — building not just homes, but trust, belonging, and long-term healing.

Cultural safety means creating spaces — physical and social — where everyone feels respected, valued, and free from discrimination or judgment. It goes beyond inclusion; it’s about ensuring that Indigenous people can live, heal, and thrive within environments that honour their culture, language, and identity.

For Hope for Homes, culturally safe housing means:

• Homes designed with input from Indigenous communities and Elders.

• Programs that support spiritual, cultural, and emotional wellbeing.

• Spaces that reflect the connection between land, community, and identity.

• Leadership that reflects the communities we serve.

When housing is culturally safe, it becomes more than shelter — it becomes a foundation for healing, belonging, and empowerment.

What does culturally safe mean?

How can I support?

Join us by learning, volunteering, or donating to our cause.

Our Roots

Honouring the Mi'kmaq territory we call home.

Cultural Care

We build homes with respect for Indigenous traditions, ensuring spaces feel safe, welcoming, and rooted in culture.

Living Commitment

Our work is a continuous promise to listen, learn, and grow alongside the communities we serve.