Acknowledgement of Indigenous Peoples

We are situated upon the traditional territories of Turtle Island (North America) and we are grateful to live and work on the land now known as Ontario.

We acknowledge and give thanks to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who have protected and cared for these territories long before the arrival of settlers, and who continue to advocate for the health and safety of the land, water, and all living beings.

InnerWorks Counselling provides in-person care within the London region and maintains many relationships in this community. We want to specifically recognize the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Attawandaron peoples, as well as the many urban Indigenous community members who call this area home.

This region is tied to the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796, and the Dish With One Spoon Covenant Wampum, a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for the land and for one another. Today, this area continues to be home to diverse Indigenous peoples, including the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames, and Munsee Delaware Nation, whom we recognize as contemporary stewards and vital contributors to our communities.

As we reflect on our shared history, we understand that the past shapes our present. We are committed to moving forward as respectful partners and allies, working toward a future that reflects learning, understanding, and healing.

We also recognize that a land acknowledgement is only a part of this work. We commit to ongoing education, meaningful dialogue, and actions that support reconciliation. This includes engaging our team and community in learning about Indigenous histories, treaties, and the rich cultures and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. InnerWorks has developed an action plan that we review annually to support the ongoing commitment to education and meaningful actions that support reconciliation. 

At InnerWorks Counselling, we believe that the mental health and well-being of all individuals is essential to the strength of our communities. Yet we know there is still a significant lack of accessible, culturally informed support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis community members.

As family members, allies, and therapists, we see these gaps in care every day. We recognize how deeply they affect individuals, families, and communities, and we are committed to being part of the solution.

What does reconciliation mean to us?

For us, reconciliation means taking an active role in understanding the past, acknowledging ongoing impacts of colonization, and committing to practices that promote equity, respect, and cultural safety. It’s about listening, learning, and creating space for meaningful relationships built on trust and humility.

As therapists and allies, we recognize that supporting reconciliation begins with our own practice. This includes educating ourselves, being mindful of the historical and current contexts Indigenous clients may hold, and adapting our approach to ensure it is culturally safe, responsive, and grounded in respect. It also means advocating for broader systemic change that improves access to appropriate, informed mental health care.

By developing and following this Action Plan, we are taking concrete steps toward making our services more accessible, respectful, and inclusive. The plan offers a framework for recognizing and addressing the unique needs and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis clients, helping to create a space where they feel welcomed, supported, and understood.

The Action Plan also emphasizes ongoing education and reflection for our team. Through continued learning, we strengthen our cultural awareness and deepen our understanding of how to provide care that honours clients’ identities, experiences, and strengths. In doing so, we commit to supporting healing, resilience, and meaningful progress toward reconciliation within the mental health field.

Honouring Indigenous Women, Mothers, and Grandmothers

Across many Indigenous cultures on Turtle Island, women, mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers hold deeply rooted spiritual, relational, and cultural roles. They are storytellers, Knowledge Keepers, nurturers, and healers. They carry and pass on ceremony, language, teachings, and connection to the land across generations. We honour these roles and strive to walk in a good way alongside those who uphold them.

We are committed to creating a culturally safe, trauma-informed space where Indigenous women, mothers, and grandmothers feel respected and supported. We recognize their vital roles within families and communities, and we aim to provide counselling that is flexible, affirming, and mindful of cultural traditions, intergenerational strengths, and the unique challenges faced by Indigenous families.

We also acknowledge the importance of ongoing learning. We remain accountable to continued education, reflection, and guidance from Indigenous voices within our community so that our services grow in cultural safety, relevance, and respect.

We will set priorities that focus on building relationships and supporting Indigenous community members, guided by the goals and objectives that follow.

InnerWorks Indigenous Action Plan

InnerWorks is committed to meaningful, ongoing reconciliation through education, relationship-building, and culturally safe care. Our team acknowledges that this work requires humility, accountability, and lifelong learning. The following action plan outlines the steps we take at every level of our practice.

At the individual level

All InnerWorks team members commit to:

  • Ongoing Indigenous-focused professional development, including Indigenous history, mental health outcomes, the impacts of colonization, cultural safety, and trauma-informed practice.

  • Including Indigenous education in annual PD plans to ensure learning is maintained and not optional.

  • Registering for NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits) when eligible, to support access to care for First Nations and Inuit clients.

  • Engaging in self-reflection, including examining biases, assumptions, and cultural blind spots.

  • Practising cultural humility, approaching clients and community members with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to listen and truly hear.

  • Seeking supervision or consultation when working with Indigenous clients to ensure ethical, informed, and culturally safe care.

At the practice level

InnerWorks commits to strengthening our clinical environment by:

  • Inviting Indigenous teachers, Knowledge Keepers, and educators (where appropriate and with fair compensation) to provide team training, workshops, and opportunities for learning.

  • Integrating Indigenous-focused education into orientation and ongoing team meetings to ensure knowledge is shared across staff.

  • Elevating Indigenous voices, including sharing Indigenous-led resources, highlighting community events, and amplifying Indigenous organizations in our networks.

  • Ensuring accessibility, including flexible scheduling, NIHB billing where applicable, and culturally sensitive intake processes.

  • Seeking opportunities to collaborate with Indigenous professionals, whether through hiring, contracting, or partnership.