We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, known as Katarokwi, or colonially as “Kingston.” The Student Life Centre at the Alma Mater Society at Queen’s University recognizes the deep significance of these lands to the Indigenous peoples who have lived here since time immemorial. The unjust acquisition of these lands through the Crawford Purchase of 1783, a land treaty initially upheld by the First Peoples, was later undermined by the British Crown and the “Canadian” government. This history of broken promises and treaties continues to impact Indigenous communities today.
As settlers on this land, we acknowledge that we benefit from systemic structures that marginalize Indigenous peoples. It is our duty to actively listen to and amplify Indigenous voices, addressing both past and ongoing injustices for meaningful, positive change. We are deeply grateful to these lands for sustaining us and giving us the gift of life. This acknowledgment serves as a call to action, reminding us that our words must be matched by actions that reflect our commitment to justice and reconciliation.
At the SLC, our mission is to enhance the quality of student life on campus and support community development. We are deeply grateful to be able to serve and support the Queen’s community on these lands. The resurgence and self-determination of Indigenous peoples inspire us to act with humility and consideration for future generations. We look to the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which teaches mutual understanding of shared land and resources, as a guiding principle in our journey toward reconciliation in Katarokwi and on Turtle Island.
Our commitment to reconciliation goes beyond words; it is embedded in our actions and the way we operate. We invite all members of the Queen’s community to join us in enacting and upholding this commitment.
To provide relevant and accessible resources to students and Kingston community, to facilitate and create unique opportunities for students to participate in vibrant student life, and to bring together students within the broader community.
The Student Life Centre strives to create an inclusive, productive and accessible environment for service provision that adequately meets the needs of our key market, and continues to contribute to its goal or enhancing engagement through student-centred resources.
We are committed to collaborating with other student-run services to expand our offerings while simultaneously ensuring our level of customer service excels, and goes above and beyond to fulfill a positive, welcoming environment for all customers and clients.
We ensure that students can become as involved as possible on Queen’s campus and be given accessible and affordable options to do so. By way of efficient, streamlined processes, the SLC can provide more opportunities for students and organizations to thrive!”