I AM HERE FOR:

We carry out our work on the traditional and stolen lands of the Anishinaabe peoples. This land is the subject of the Lake Simcoe-Nottawasaga Treaty 18. This is the Territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. This includes the Ojibwe, Odawa and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We also carry out our work on the land known in Kanien’keha as Tkaronto. This land is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe which includes many nations, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat, and is now home to many First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

We name the historical and ongoing colonial and sexual violence on this land committed against Indigenous peoples by colonialism, racism, and misogyny and recognize that Indigenous peoples are disproportionately affected by this now and intergenerationally. Sexual violence has been a weapon of colonization, its impact lasting generations. Our attempts at reconciliation need to be present, active and honour this truth through actions that place Indigenous voices in priority.

The Dandelion Initiative is currently staffed by immigrants and settlers. Our work to prevent and respond to gender-based violence must work to un-settle and decolonize our approaches to healing and working amongst and with Indigenous peoples.

As a small grassroots organization, we ensure that we can provide resources and monetary support to Indigenous-led organizations and movements. All of our survivor services and organizational workshops/training are free for Indigenous peoples, communities and individuals. We do not celebrate “Canada Day” on July 1st and staff and board have all signed contracts to ensure we maintain this value, always. Our office will be open and our staff engaged in community work that places Indigenous Communities and their grief, power and voices in priority.