We humbly and respectfully acknowledge that our work takes place on the traditional territory of lәk̓ʷәŋәn-speaking peoples, which includes the Xwsepsum, also known as the Esquimalt, the lәk̓ ʷәŋәn, also known as the Songhees, as well as the SENĆOŦEN, Malchosen, Semiahmoo, and T’Sou-ke speaking W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. We acknowledge the long and continuing history of colonization and Indigenous peoples resistance to it, in particular the harm, violence, and racism towards Indigenous people that has occurred as a result of the legal profession.
As an organization who welcomes and strives to serve all people, we believe that inclusive language is a way of acknowledging and respecting the diversity of bodies, genders and relationships. People experience and express their gender and sexuality in different ways. People have different biological sex characteristics.
Inclusive language ensures we don’t leave people out of our conversations or our work. Inclusive language acknowledges the diversity of people we work with and serve.