with gratitude and deep reverence i acknowledge

my ancestors,

future descendants,

my kin,

mothers, elders, storytellers,

knowledge keepers, knowledge seekers

leaders, healers, the artists, freedom fighters,

peacemakers, placemakers,

creators and all of creation.

i acknowledge and offer gratitude

to the original caretakers/stewards of the lands and waters that i call home.

the anishnaabeg, the haudenesaunee, and the missisaguas of credit river first nation.

tkronto,

where the trees stand tall in the water

though i was born here, i am still landing here. i am still rooting here, finding place here, and building home here.

my roots also stretch far to tamil lands of the kaanthal flower

a rising fist blooming into fingers of fire.

i wonder what it means to be akin with these lands and waters that i am connected to.

my wonder, my love and and my devotion

all to freedom,

to sovereignty,

and to self-determination

- of all beings across the lands, waters, and sky.

7 generations before and to come.

for this commitment realized,

i dream,

i create,

I become.