As a journal with institutional ties to York University we recognize that many Indigenous nations have longstanding relationships with the territories upon which York University campuses are located that precede the establishment of York University. York University acknowledges its presence on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations. The area known as Tkaronto has been care taken by the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Huron-Wendat, and the Métis. It is now home to many Indigenous Peoples. We acknowledge the current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is subject of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement to peaceably share and care for the Great Lakes region.

It would be impossible for journals like ours to exist, if the land and space necessary for them had not been stewarded and protected by Indigenous people, and specifically as a journal whose subject matter is contemporary Canada, we recognize that there is a crucial obligation for researchers and emerging scholars within this field to go beyond the lip service that is often paid to discourses of truth and reconciliation. Our work has to move towards embracing wholeheartedly the goals of decolonization and justice embodied in Indigenous struggles for liberation. It is with this understanding as a foreground that we hope to make contributions to the field, and continue to educate ourselves and others on our responsibilities to Indigenous populations who continue to deal with the impact of colonial trauma and violence. We recognize as well that this is an ongoing conversation, and maintain an open door for criticism and feedback around our work which might position us better to help break the larger cycles of colonial domination and exploitation in academia.