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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

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

Evaluating Sources

It is important to always evaluate the sources to be used in an essay. When evaluating sources, a writer is gauging whether or not each source is trustworthy enough to provide information that is appropriate to the topic as well as is credible to be used as supporting evidence.

In the first step to identify the credibility and usefulness of a source, determine these:

• the author’s intentions

• context or reputation

• subject matter

• intended audience

• timeliness

It is also essential to test the accuracy, relevance, sufficiency and representation of the sources. Ultimately, the writer should question any assumptions apparent in each source.

Accuracy:

Is it exact? Correct? Complete? Reliable?

Relevance:

Does it relate directly to the claim or opinion it supports? Is it credible?

Sufficient:

Is there enough evidence to be convincing?

Representative:

Are typical examples used rather than exceptions to the rule?

Assumptive:

Validity: Is the argument well-founded?

Challengeable: Can the argument be challenged easily?