{"id":22610,"date":"2026-06-15T15:59:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T19:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssaquebec.ca\/en\/news\/embodying-territorial-recognition-the-path-of-gratitude\/"},"modified":"2026-08-06T09:48:43","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T13:48:43","slug":"embodying-territorial-recognition-the-path-of-gratitude","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ssaquebec.ca\/en\/news\/embodying-territorial-recognition-the-path-of-gratitude\/","title":{"rendered":"Embodying Territorial Acknowledgement: The Path of Gratitude"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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 \u201c8 recommendations to refocus territorial recognition on the perspectives and experiences of Indigenous peoples<\/a>.\u201d These recommendations form the foundation upon which we have built our work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On this page, we share the fruits of our journey in the form of a framework we have titled \u201cThe Path of Gratitude,\u201d to guide any other person or organization that shares our vision of acknowledging Indigenous territories\u2014a vision that goes beyond a symbolic gesture and seeks to encourage sincere reflection and concrete actions in support of justice, respect, and reconciliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recognition of Indigenous territories at Unit\u00e9 de soutien SSA Qu\u00e9bec \u2014 our journey<\/summary>\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2021<\/strong>, Unit\u00e9 de soutien SSA Qu\u00e9bec developed a statement of territorial acknowledgment in collaboration with leaders in Indigenous health expertise, which reads as follows: \u201cThe Unit\u00e9 de soutien SSA Qu\u00e9bec 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This was an initial effort by Unit\u00e9 de soutien SSA Qu\u00e9bec, and it was agreed at the time that this approach was not considered the most effective way to foster dialogue with Quebec\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2025<\/strong>, a report containing recommendations on territorial acknowledgement<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2026<\/strong>, the Support Unit unveiled \u201cThe Path of Gratitude,\u201d the result of a reflection on territorial recognition that members of its team undertook with dedication, sincerity, and respect. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\n Accordion<\/span>\n

Audiences<\/h3>\n \n
\n
    \n
  • Healthcare partner (patient, service user, family member, citizen)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Researcher or research professional<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Healthcare professional<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Social services professional<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Decision-maker or manager<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Professor<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Continuous Improvement Officer and Regional Continuous Improvement Officer (AACQ – ARACQ)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Family Medicine Clinic or Family Medicine Group<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n\n\n
    \n Accordion<\/span>\n

    Benefits<\/h3>\n \n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n\n\n

    \n Accordion<\/span>\n

    Main features or components<\/h3>\n \n\n

    The tool takes the form of a microsite that documents:<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
      \n
    • a structured approach to thinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • an animated video<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n\n\n
      \n Accordion<\/span>\n

      Examples of use<\/h3>\n \n\n

      Situation: Antoine, the manager of a clinic in Abitibi, wants to display a territorial recognition statement in his clinic <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Antoine wants to ensure that his clinic\u2019s recognition of the local community is meaningful, respectful, and rooted in genuine reflection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Using the approach <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Antoine draws inspiration from the \u201cPath of Gratitude\u201d approach developed by Unit\u00e9 de soutien SSA Qu\u00e9bec. He goes through all the steps, which allows him to: <\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
        \n
      • to appreciate the historical, cultural, and human significance associated with the territorial recognition of one\u2019s region;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • reflect on one’s personal and institutional stance;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • to jointly develop a recognition system consistent with the values of the clinic and its local community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

        This approach thus facilitates a shift from a mere formality to a thoughtful and conscious commitment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Impact <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Patients feel welcomed with respect and sincerity from the moment they enter the clinic. The clinic\u2019s commitment to the local community reflects the sincerity of the team\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n\n\n

        \n Accordion<\/span>\n

        Team<\/h3>\n \n
        \n
          \n
        • France Lemieux<\/strong>, Project Portfolio Manager <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Myra Drolet<\/strong>, Communications Advisor <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Val\u00e9rie Grenier<\/strong>, LHS Leader<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n\n\n
          \n Accordion<\/span>\n

          To cite the tool<\/h3>\n \n\n

          The Path of Gratitude \u00a9 2026 by France Lemieux, Myra Drolet, Val\u00e9rie Grenier, Unit\u00e9 de soutien SSA Qu\u00e9bec<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n\n\n\n

          <\/div>\n\n\n
          \n