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But what does that mean, exactly, and what is the significance of acknowledging “unceded Algonquin, Anishinabek territory”?

It’s a simple answer for Verna McGregor, an Algonquin elder from Kitigan Zibi near Maniwaki, Que.

“It’s acknowledging that we’re still here,” said McGregor, who is frequently called upon to offer a traditional Algonquin greeting and opening at events in and around Ottawa. “The acknowledgement is important — that we’re worthy of being on our own lands.”

The Algonquin are part of the Anishinabek Nation, a confederacy of about a half a dozen culturally related Indigenous Peoples in eastern North America. The use of the term “unceded” is no accident. Go back more than 250 years and you’ll find it above the signature of King George III in his Royal Proclamation of 1763, which claimed North America for Britain after the Seven Years’ War.

“And whereas it is just and reasonable, and essential to our Interest, and the Security of our Colonies, that the several Nations or Tribes of Indians with whom We are connected, and who live under our Protection, should not be molested or disturbed in the Possession of such Parts of Our Dominions and Territories as, not having been ceded to or purchased by Us, are reserved to them, or any of them, as their Hunting Grounds.”

In the centuries since then, treaties and land purchases have cleared up land title for much of Canada, whether fair or not (The Crawford Purchase of 1783, for example, secured the shoreline of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River between Brockville and the Bay of Quinte for some muskets, ammunition and “enough red cloth to make 12 coats”).