Land Acknowledgement & EDI Statement

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that we are located on the Haldimand Tract, traditional and unceded territory of the Anishnaabe, Haudenosaunee and Neutral Peoples. It encompasses 980,000 acres of land that was given to the Six Nations in 1784, 10 kilometers on each side of the Grand River.

This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe Peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources and not to engage in conflict.

We extend our respect to all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples for their past and present contributions to this land. We also recognize and respect the cultural diversity that First Nations, Métis and Inuit bring to our region.

We are grateful for the opportunity to operate and meet here and affirm our collective commitment to make the promise and the challenge of Truth and Reconciliation real in our organization.

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

At Traverse Independence, we the board of directors embrace diversity and foster an environment where we respect and empower everyone. We are committed to continuous learning for a better understanding of oppressive systems and strive to dismantle barriers.

Our dedication to diversity and inclusion reflects our mission, vision, and values as we aim for excellence, and we remain focused on creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere where all individuals can succeed.

EIDA-R Statement

In partnership with the GW OHT, this EIDA-R statement reinforces our commitment to an inclusive and equitable health system in alignment with the Traverse Independence equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) statement.

As a partner of the Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team (GW OHT), we recognize that power and privilege in society are often shaped by factors such as gender, sexual orientation, race, income, language, religion, age, body size, and ability. These factors - whether visible or invisible, intentional or unintentional -can result in systemic barriers and forms of oppression such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and other forms of marginalization.

We acknowledge that many of our clients, patients, and staff face these challenges daily impacting their access to education, employment, housing, social services, and health care. We also recognize that within our own organizations, workplace barriers can prevent employees from feeling safe, having their voices heard, and accessing equitable opportunities for growth and advancement.

As leaders in our community, we are committed to breaking down these barriers and fostering a more inclusive and equitable health system where all community members experience care that is welcoming, accessible, and free of discrimination or oppression.

To advance equity, inclusion, diversity, accessibility, anti-racism, and Truth and Reconciliation across the GW OHT, we commit to the following actions:

• Stand together against racism and all forms of oppression in our organizations and communities. We will actively name and confront racism, colonialism, and other systems of harm.

• Collaborate to advance Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (EIDA-R) initiatives across the GW OHT. This includes shared learning, policy change, and inclusive practices that reflect the diverse realities of those we serve and employ.

• Take meaningful action toward Truth and Reconciliation. We commit to building trust and relationships with Indigenous Peoples and organizations, advancing cultural safety, and acknowledging the ongoing impacts of colonialism.

• Work in partnership to address anti-Black racism through education and policy.

• Invest resources to support EIDA-R efforts and Truth and Reconciliation work across our communities.

Our commitment to action and accountability can be found in the GW OHT’s 2025/2026 EIDA-R work plan, including evaluation and progress measures. This work plan is available on the GW OHT website as well as a list of GW OHT partners.

Creating an inclusive and equitable health system requires ongoing work, humility, courage, and collaboration. We remain committed to listening, learning, and acting - together.

Toby Harris, CEO

Traverse Independence – Waterloo Region and County of Wellington

Contact Us

Traverse Independence
Head Office
1382 Weber Street East, Unit 1
Kitchener, ON, N2A 1C4
Phone: 519-741-5845
Fax: 519-741-8731

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that we are located on the Haldimand Tract, traditional and unceded territory of the Anishnaabe, Haudenosaunee and Neutral Peoples. It encompasses 980,000 acres of land that was given to the Six Nations in 1784, 10 kilometers on each side of the Grand River.

Continue to read full land acknowledgement