We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Search the:

Apply Donate Crisis Centre

Continuous Learning

Karen L. Ormerod, MM, CFRE

Karen Ormerod Karen has been working in the not for profit sector for over 30 years. Described as a visionary leader and organizational change agent, she earned a Master of Management Degree for National Voluntary Sector Leaders, from McGill University in 2003. Karen is currently the Executive Director for the Humane Society of Durham Region. Some former positions include: Chief Operating Officer, Lakeridge Health Foundation; Executive Director, Durham Hospice; CEO, Institute for Global Ethics; President & CEO, Osteoporosis Canada; Executive Director, ALS Ontario; District Manager of the CNIB, York Region; and the National Manager of Chapter Operations for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Prior to that, Karen worked in a not-for-profit medical laboratory, and before that, at a large consumer products organization. In 2011, Karen worked with Ontario Tech University, Continuous Learning to help create their new Not-for- Profit Management Certificate Program, where she teaches the Leadership & Strategy session. She then later co-created and presents at their Volunteer Board & Accountability Workshop held annually. Karen has served on the Boards of Durham Community Foundation; the Migraine Association of Canada; the York Central Hospital Volunteer Association; the Association for the Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired; and the Coalition of Ontario Voluntary Organizations; as well as on the Steering Committee of the Health Charities Coalition of Canada.