Respect for Indigenous lands and territories

ACET respectfully acknowledges that our work takes place on the lands and waters of Indigenous Peoples, including the territories where our five collaborating institutions are located:  

• Lək̓ʷəŋən territory (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt Nation), and the W̱SÁNEĆ territory, home to the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University;  
• The xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), home to the University of British Columbia Vancouver campus;  
• The Abenaki and the Wabenaki Confederacy, home to the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières;  
• and the 14 First Nations of the Yukon, home to Yukon University. 

We also recognize the lands and territories of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples with which we have the honour to partner in advancing community-centered clean energy transformations. 

We acknowledge our responsibility to uphold Indigenous rights, follow Indigenous laws and protocols, and learn how to engage responsibly in every place we work. 

Our responsibilities and commitments

ACET is committed to building relationships with Indigenous Nations that are grounded in respect, reciprocity and accountability. Our responsibilities include: 

• Supporting Indigenous energy sovereignty and Nation‑led clean energy transformations 
• Identifying and removing systemic barriers that limit Indigenous participation 
• Keeping project benefits with the First Nations and Indigenous communities who initiate and lead the work 
• Challenging colonial systems, narratives and practices within our organization 
• Honouring Indigenous relationships to land and water 
• Building relationships based on consent, transparency and shared direction 
• Respecting Indigenous knowledge systems, protocols and laws 
• Supporting the wellbeing of lands, waters, air and all living beings in the places where we work. 

These commitments guide how we work and how we show up on Indigenous territories. 

Our responsibilities to lands, waters and peoples

ACET recognizes that energy development has historically displaced First Peoples and disrupted land stewardship. Many Indigenous Peoples and Nations continue to face barriers in exercising their rights, jurisdiction, and decision-making authority in relation to energy development. 

ACET works within a field shaped by these histories. Acknowledging this reality is part of our responsibility. It calls for honesty, humility and a commitment to changing the systems we participate in.  

We are committed to learning about the places where we work, understanding the histories that shape them, and supporting Nation-led priorities in our work. We recognize our responsibilities as guests and researchers within these territories, and to the Indigenous Peoples who have cared for and governed these lands for countless generations.  

These commitments guide how we work with Indigenous Peoples and on Indigenous territories. They help us reflect on how our actions intersect with First Nations, Indigenous communities, and their territories, compelling us to continue to learn and improve.  

ACET researchers and employees are expected to learn whose territories they are on, familiarize themselves with local histories and protocols, reflect on the impacts of colonial systems, and engage with First Nations and Indigenous communities with humility, respect and a commitment to continued learning.