Lakefield Animal Welfare Society is situated on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg people and is covered by Treaty No 20. Lakefield and the Township of Selwyn are home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples from all across Turtle Island.

We understand that land acknowledgment is an important but only an initial step in the ongoing reconciliation process; advancing meaningful reconciliation must move beyond good intentions, superficial reforms, and symbolic gestures. Hence, we recognize our responsibility as an organization, and as individuals, in pushing for real accountability and transformative change.

We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations. As an animal welfare organization, we are particularly inspired by Indigenous environmental stewardship and the spiritual significance of human-animal relationships in Indigenous cultures. We look forward to strengthening our relationships with Indigenous communities as we work and strive to eradicate the root causes of animal vulnerability and together to build a more compassionate world.