The Journal’s editors were made aware of an open letter from the ASUS Journal of Indigenous Studies (AJIS) on Sunday regarding our newspaper’s land acknowledgement.

Our land acknowledgement, located on the front page of our newspaper, is consistent with Queen’s University’s official acknowledgement of the traditional Indigenous territories on which we are situated.

The University explains the statement is used as part of “written documents, including websites and emails.” Queen’s also writes that the statement is used by community members to begin or introduce a lecture, speaking event, or campus gathering.

By including a land acknowledgement on The Journal’s front page, students begin reading the newspaper with a recognition of and respect for history. The Journal is one of the only student newspapers in Ontario to publish such a recognition, and remains committed to acknowledging University history.

The Journal’s use of this statement was carefully considered and is consistent with all other Queen’s entities and institutions.

AJIS did not contact The Journal’s editors about their intention to publish an open letter challenging the paper’s official acknowledgement of traditional Indigenous territories.

That said, we remain a transparent and inclusive organization, welcoming and encouraging dialogue amongst all members of the Queen’s community on all issues. 

To contact The Journal’s editors, email journal_editors@ams.queensu.ca