Canada is widely referred to as Turtle Island by many Indigenous peoples, acknowledging its place within the larger North American continent, which, in various Indigenous creation stories, was formed on the back of a turtle. This name carries profound cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, predating the colonial naming conventions of the land.
The Meaning of Turtle Island
"Turtle Island" is an ancient and widely recognized name used by numerous Indigenous nations across the continent for the landmasses now known as North and Central America. It is not merely a geographical term but a deeply spiritual designation that reflects Indigenous peoples' relationship with and understanding of their ancestral lands.
Rooted in Creation Stories
The name "Turtle Island" originates from diverse Indigenous creation stories found across the continent. While regional versions and specific details vary among different First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, the core narrative consistently involves a time when the Earth was covered entirely by water. In these accounts:
- A turtle offers its back as a foundation.
- Various beings, often with the help of a Creator or culture hero, begin to build the land upon the turtle's shell, typically by bringing up earth from beneath the floodwaters.
- This act of creation establishes the land as a living entity, supported and sustained by the turtle.
These stories emphasize the sacredness of the land and the interconnectedness of all life.
Who Uses the Name?
The term "Turtle Island" is used by a wide array of Indigenous peoples across what is now Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central America. It serves as a unifying symbol that transcends modern political borders, representing:
- Indigenous Identity: A marker of cultural heritage and connection to ancestral traditions.
- Sovereignty: An assertion of Indigenous rights and nationhood, recognizing their original stewardship of the land.
- Spiritual Connection: A reminder of the spiritual relationship between people and the Earth.
Canada's Place Within Turtle Island
When people refer to Canada as Turtle Island, they are acknowledging that the land currently defined by the Canadian border is intrinsically part of this larger, ancient Indigenous territory. It is a way of recognizing the long-standing presence of Indigenous peoples on these lands and honouring their foundational worldviews and histories. It signals a shift away from a colonial perspective towards one that respects Indigenous naming conventions and territorial understandings.
Why This Naming Matters
Using and recognizing the name "Turtle Island" is more than just an alternative label; it is an act of profound respect and a step towards reconciliation.
- Reclaiming Identity: It helps Indigenous peoples reaffirm their original identities and narratives, asserting their presence and connection to the land that predates colonial settlement.
- Environmental Stewardship: The creation stories often embed principles of living in harmony with nature. The turtle symbolizes stability, longevity, and the life-giving essence of Earth, promoting a deep sense of responsibility for environmental care.
- Decolonization: It challenges and pushes back against the colonial practice of renaming lands and erasing Indigenous histories, fostering a decolonized understanding of geography and history.
- Cultural Awareness: It educates non-Indigenous populations about the rich and diverse Indigenous cultures, languages, and philosophies that have existed on this continent for millennia.
Understanding Perspectives on Land Naming
| Concept | Traditional Indigenous View (Turtle Island) | Colonial/Modern View (Canada/North America) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin of Land | Formed on a turtle's back through creation, imbued with spiritual significance | Geological processes, continental drift, scientifically explained |
| Name's Basis | Spiritual narratives, ancestral connection, and sacred understanding of place | European explorers, figures, geographical features, political boundaries |
| Significance | Identity, sovereignty, interconnectedness, and responsibility for the land's well-being | Political governance, national identity, resource management, economic development |
Connecting with Turtle Island Today
Acknowledging Canada as part of Turtle Island is an essential aspect of contemporary efforts towards truth and reconciliation. It encourages all residents to learn about the specific Indigenous nations whose traditional territories they occupy, understand their histories, treaties, and contemporary realities. By doing so, individuals contribute to a more inclusive and respectful understanding of the land and its peoples.
To learn more about Indigenous perspectives and the significance of Turtle Island, exploring resources from Indigenous-led organizations and educational institutions is highly recommended. Learn more about Indigenous cultures.
