We at Slither ‘n’ Such gratefully acknowledge that we live, learn, and share stories on the lands known today as Edmonton, Alberta – a place the Cree call amiskwaciy-wâskahikan (Beaver Hills House).

While this region formally became Edmonton in 1795 – just over 230 years ago – people have lived here for more than 8,000 years. Archaeologists have found nearly 200 Indigenous campsites and tool-making sites; offering us all reminders of the deep and ongoing relationships between land, water, and people.

The Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, and many other First Nations and Inuit peoples have always known these lands and waters by names of their own:

• amiskwaciy – Beaver Hills (Cree)
• omaka-ty – Big River (Blackfoot)
• kisiskâciwani-sîpiy – Swift Current (Cree), now called the North Saskatchewan River

We honour the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples who continue to shape this place despite the harms of colonialism, including the residential school system, the Sixties Scoop, and other policies of assimilation.

At the same time, we celebrate their resurgence: the languages, knowledge, and cultural teachings that are being reclaimed and nurtured today. Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists, leaders, and families continue to inspire us through wisdom, creativity, and care for community.

As a family-led reptile education program, we are committed to upholding these values of respect, reciprocity, and relationship. Just as we learn from animals, including reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans and the balance they hold within our ecosystem, we also learn from the peoples who have cared for this land since time immemorial.

We invite children, families, and communities to explore with us – to laugh, to wonder, and to learn together – while remembering that every story, every animal, and every adventure is connected to the land we share.