Hollywood North International Film Festival

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land for thousands of years. In particular, we recognize that much of what is now known as British Columbia lies within the homelands of over 200 distinct First Nations, each with their own unique culture, language, and traditions.

In Vancouver, we acknowledge the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, whose deep connections to the land, waters, and skies remain central to their identity and way of life. These lands were never surrendered, and their rights and relationships to this land endure.

As we gather here today, we honour the enduring presence, resilience, and cultural contributions of all Indigenous Peoples — First Nations, Inuit, and Métis — and we commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation, decolonization, and respect.

Let this acknowledgement not be merely a statement, but a call to action: to listen, to learn, and to support Indigenous sovereignty, justice, and healing.

About this land

Over 200 First Nations live in British Columbia — more than any other province in Canada.

About 16 distinct Indigenous language groups are spoken in British Columbia, representing over 50% of all Indigenous languages in Canada.

British Columbia is largely unceded territory, meaning most land was never formally surrendered through treaties.

Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia include First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, though Inuit are less numerous in BC than in other parts of Canada.