Land acknowledgement

Canadian Water Network (CWN) respectfully recognizes and acknowledges the deep connection that First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada have with the land that all Canadians call home. Their rich history spans thousands of years on Turtle Island. We also honour and recognize the significance of the treaties that establish the relationship between Indigenous peoples and settlers on this land.

Blue Cities 2026 will be held in Gatineau, Quebec, on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. This land and its waterways have been cared for by the Algonquin people since time immemorial, reflecting their enduring relationship with the environment. Today, the City of Gatineau is home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples from across Canada. The ancestral territories along the Tenàgàdino Zìbì, (Gatineau River) and Kichi Sibi (Ottawa River) have a long and rich history, serving as travel routes, location for villages, site of meetings and exchanges amongst visiting nations.

CWN recognizes the sacredness of water as understood by Indigenous people. Water is more than simply a resource. It’s a life-giving entity that sustains people, flora and fauna. CWN will continue its work supporting all Indigenous communities through this lens.

Our offices are located in Waterloo, Ontario, on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Situated on the Haldimand Tract, which granted land to the Six Nations, our office resides on a section of the Grand River extending six miles on each side.

We are grateful for the privilege to work and live on this land.