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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

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Poems about relationships and consent

May 12, 2020

These poems were submitted as part of the #WeGetConsent art contest.

“She” by Riddhi Rajpura

This poem written by Riddhi Rajpura is dedicated to all the beautiful, brave, and bold women who fight for themselves against harassment.

With glitter of courage in her eyes

Smile of wisdom on her lips

The charm of loyalty on her face

Sense of coercion in her mind

What a deadly combination she is

 

And you silly fellow,

Don’t even dare to touch this deadly combination without getting consent from her

She is a beautiful mystery, not your property

If you have guts, ask for her permission first

If you have morals, respect her willingness first

Otherwise, be ready to get your worst

 

“Life” by Anonymous

This poem focuses on a key aspect of relationships, which many people don’t consider – grief. The fear of losing a loved one and the memories surrounding them.

If life really is a circle,

it will bring us all back together again,

eventually.

 

Maybe in a different life,

or in a thousand different faces,

that I'll pass in the street,

long after you're gone.

 

Life will bring you back to me,

in the slow amble of people,

who don't merely observe life,

but live and love life ,

because they have seen so much,

and have so little left.

 

Life will bring you back to me,

in the songs from times gone by,

or the laughter of the people,

who laugh because they know pain.

 

Time is the predetermined winner.

 

And we never had enough.