In recent years, we have decided to engage in a grounded, respectful, and committed dialogue regarding territorial acknowledgement within our organization. Prior to our work, we reached out to our expert researchers in Indigenous health as well as our Indigenous partner circles to ask them to share their perspectives with us. They presented us with “8 recommendations to refocus territorial recognition on the perspectives and experiences of Indigenous peoples.” These recommendations form the foundation upon which we have built our work.
On this page, we share the fruits of our journey in the form of a framework we have titled “The Path of Gratitude,” to guide any other person or organization that shares our vision of acknowledging Indigenous territories—a vision that goes beyond a symbolic gesture and seeks to encourage sincere reflection and concrete actions in support of justice, respect, and reconciliation.
Recognition of Indigenous territories at Unité de soutien SSA Québec — our journey
In 2021, Unité de soutien SSA Québec developed a statement of territorial acknowledgment in collaboration with leaders in Indigenous health expertise, which reads as follows: “The Unité de soutien SSA Québec is located on the ancestral lands of the Abenaki, Wendat, and Mohawk peoples. These territories are the traditional lands, meeting places, and trade routes of many Indigenous peoples and nations. May the spirit of brotherhood that reigns among them serve as a model for our activities and discussions.”
This was an initial effort by Unité de soutien SSA Québec, and it was agreed at the time that this approach was not considered the most effective way to foster dialogue with Quebec’s First Nations and Inuit. It was acknowledged that there was still work to be done to find the most appropriate wording and to ensure that the importance of reconciliation efforts and territorial recognition was fully understood.
In 2025, a report containing recommendations on territorial acknowledgement was drafted with input from Francophone and Anglophone Indigenous patient partner circles at the Unit, to provide an overview of the origins of these practices and to highlight the gaps and concerns of Indigenous people regarding reconciliation practices and processes.
The goal is to engage in a reflective process on practices of territorial acknowledgement, while refocusing the approach on the perspectives and experiences of Indigenous peoples.
In 2026, the Support Unit unveiled “The Path of Gratitude,” the result of a reflection on territorial recognition that members of its team undertook with dedication, sincerity, and respect.
- Healthcare partner (patient, service user, family member, citizen)
- Researcher or research professional
- Healthcare professional
- Social services professional
- Decision-maker or manager
- Professor
- Student
- Continuous Improvement Officer and Regional Continuous Improvement Officer (AACQ – ARACQ)
- Family Medicine Clinic or Family Medicine Group
The “The Path of Gratitude” microsite guides those who wish to create a meaningful and thoughtful expression of gratitude for the land and can serve as a source of inspiration.
The tool takes the form of a microsite that documents:
- a structured approach to thinking
- an animated video
Situation: Antoine, the manager of a clinic in Abitibi, wants to display a territorial recognition statement in his clinic
Antoine wants to ensure that his clinic’s recognition of the local community is meaningful, respectful, and rooted in genuine reflection.
Using the approach
Antoine draws inspiration from the “Path of Gratitude” approach developed by Unité de soutien SSA Québec. He goes through all the steps, which allows him to:
- to appreciate the historical, cultural, and human significance associated with the territorial recognition of one’s region;
- reflect on one’s personal and institutional stance;
- to jointly develop a recognition system consistent with the values of the clinic and its local community.
This approach thus facilitates a shift from a mere formality to a thoughtful and conscious commitment.
Impact
Patients feel welcomed with respect and sincerity from the moment they enter the clinic. The clinic’s commitment to the local community reflects the sincerity of the team’s approach and helps foster an atmosphere of trust, openness, and dialogue. It also serves as a tool for raising awareness among the entire clinical team and the people we serve.
- France Lemieux, Project Portfolio Manager
- Myra Drolet, Communications Advisor
- Valérie Grenier, LHS Leader
The Path of Gratitude © 2026 by France Lemieux, Myra Drolet, Valérie Grenier, Unité de soutien SSA Québec
Cultural Safety in Indigenous Health Research Context: a report of recommendations drawn from an unprecedented round-table discussion
To define and identify the best ways of conducting culturally safe indigenous health research, placing the voices and knowledge of indigenous people and their allies at the heart of the process. This is the challenge that several partners have set themselves. To achieve this, they organized an unprecedented round table with people representing 10 of the 11 nations present on Quebec territory.
8 Recommendations for Refocusing Territorial Acknowledgment on the Perspectives and Experiences of Indigenous Peoples
What are the origins of territorial acknowledgements? What issues have been raised by the Unit’s Indigenous patient partner circles in relation to these acknowledgements? What is the nature of the discomfort felt toward this practice? This report, produced in collaboration with the Unit’s Indigenous partner circles, examines these questions and offers recommendations.
Demystifying Indigenous health research: two videos
Indigenous knowledge is unique and powerful. Research teams should be aware of and sensitive to this knowledge in order to conduct respectful and relevant research. Watch two videos rich in Indigenous testimonials and perspectives!