Understanding Land Acknowledgement: Why It Can’t Speak for Itself

Land acknowledgement is a way of recognizing and respecting the Indigenous peoples, their communities and their land. It has become increasingly common in recent years, with many organizations and institutions including a land acknowledgement statement at the beginning of events or meetings.

While land acknowledgement is an important step towards recognizing and respecting Indigenous peoples and cultures, it cannot speak for itself and must be accompanied by meaningful action and support for Indigenous communities.

In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the purpose and significance of land acknowledgement, and explore why it cannot stand alone as a gesture of reconciliation.

Related: How to Do Land Acknowledgement on Zoom?

What is land acknowledgment?

Land acknowledgement is a statement of recognition of the Indigenous peoples whose traditional lands we are currently living on, and an acknowledgement of their current and past contributions to the land. It can be practiced in the form of writing and speaking.

It is a way of showing respect for the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded the land for generations, and of recognizing their continuing presence and ongoing connection to the land.

Watch this video produced by York University to learn more about land acknowledgement:

What does land acknowledgement mean?

Land acknowledgement has unfortunately become one of the items that people “check off” while hosting an event – just to make sure they are “politically correct”.

In a broader sense, it is a way of recognizing the richness and complexity of our shared history, and of opening up a dialogue about how we can take better care of the land and its people. It is also a way of creating space for learning and understanding.

By acknowledging the past, we can begin to build a more equitable and just future.

Why is land acknowledgement important?

Land acknowledgement is an important part of understanding our shared history and our relationship to the land. It entails the following importance for our past, present and future:

1. Reminds us to reflect on the past: Land acknowledgements demonstrate the recognition of Indigenous lands, treaties and the peoples. It involves thinking about what happened in the past and what changes can be made going forward in order to further the reconciliation process.
2. Shows respect to native peoples: It is a way of recognizing the Indigenous identity whose traditional lands we are living on, and of honoring and respecting their current and past contributions to the land.
3. Creates a more inclusive and respectful society: By recognizing the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded the land for generations, we can begin to build a society that honors and respects all peoples. It is a way of recognizing the importance of understanding our shared history and our relationship to the land, and of creating a space for learning and dialogue.
4. Creates a more just and equitable future: It is a way of recognizing the injustices that have been done to Indigenous peoples, and of learning from the past in order to create a better future. By recognizing the past, we can begin to build a more just and equitable future for all.

Where is land acknowledgement more common?

The practice of land acknowledgements originated in Canada starting in the 1970s.

Land acknowledgement is more common in many countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Here are some of the real-life examples where land acknowledgments would be done:

• At the start of public events, webinars, training sessions, and in educational institutions and workplaces
• In elementary schools where students read it out every day
• In written forms such as on websites and books
• As an email signature

In some countries, such as Canada and Australia, land acknowledgement has become part of the national conversation.

In Canada, land acknowledgement is often seen as part of the opening ceremonies of public evens, such as conferences and festivals.

In Australia, land acknowledgement (referred to as Acknowledgement of Country) has been incorporated into school curriculums and is an important part of the national conversation about reconciliation and justice for Indigenous peoples.

Also read: Understanding Acknowledgement of Country

Examples of land acknowledgement

Here are some real-world examples of land acknowledgement:

CCHR Land Acknowledgement

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (“Commission”) acknowledges the land politically designated as New York City to be the homeland of the Lenape (Lenapehoking) who were violently displaced as a result of European settler colonialism over the course of 400 years.

Land Acknowledgement for Toronto, Canada

We acknowledge the land we are meeting on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.

Land Acknowledgement for City of Vancouver, Canada

The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Land acknowledgement and colonialism

Land acknowledgement is one way of recognizing the harm and injustices that have been inflicted on Indigenous peoples as a result of colonialism. It is an opportunity for non-Indigenous peoples to recognize the ongoing presence and contributions of Indigenous peoples, and to show respect for their cultures and traditions.

It is also a way of acknowledging the ongoing impact of colonialism and the need for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Steps to creating a land acknowledgement statement

Creating a land acknowledgement statement is an important part of understanding our shared history and our relationship to the land. Here are some steps to help you create a meaningful land acknowledgement statement:

1. Research the Indigenous peoples whose traditional lands you are living on.
2. Learn about the history of the ancestral homelands and the people.
3. Connect with local Indigenous nations and communities.
4. Draft your statement.
5. Make sure your statement is meaningful and respectful.
6. Seek feedback from local Indigenous communities and organizations.
7. Revise your statement as needed.
8. Publish your statement.

Here are some examples of land acknowledgement statements:

“We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the [name of nation or nation-state], and pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.”

“We recognize and honor the Indigenous peoples of this land, the [name of nation or nation-state], and their continuing connection to the land and its resources.”

“We recognize and honor the traditional custodians of this land, the [name of nation or nation-state], and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.”

These are just a few examples of land acknowledgement statements. Every land acknowledgment statement should be tailored to the specific land and peoples, and should be meaningful and respectful.

Land acknowledgement best practices

Creating a land acknowledgement statement is an important part of understanding our shared history and our relationship to the land. It is also an important part of creating a more just and equitable future for all.

Here are a few best practices that you can follow when writing a land acknowledgement:

1. Be specific and use the correct terminology for Indigenous peoples and their territories. Rather than using general terms, use specific terms such as “Native American Tribes” or “Indigenous Peoples”.
2. Use language that is respectful and avoids stereotypes or offensive terms.
3. Acknowledge the ongoing impact of colonialism and the importance of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
4. Seek guidance and input from Indigenous peoples and communities, and consider including a representative from these communities in the writing process.
5. Make sure it is genuine, honest, and most of all empowering.

How do native people feel about land acknowledgments?

Some Indigenous people may view land acknowledgement as a superficial or inadequate gesture that does not go far enough in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

I’ve never liked land acknowledgements and cringe every time I hear one.

Lisa J. Watt, Director of the Indigenous Leadership Program

It felt like a eulogy: We were there, now we’re not, and now it’s yours.

Falen Johnson, Secret Life of Canada

Land Acknowledgements smell like condescending bullshit to me.

Cliff Cardinal, poet/performer

They make me really nervous.

Frances Koncan, journalist

You get the idea…

While it is important to recognize that land acknowledgement is just one step in the process of reconciliation, it is more important to take meaningful action to support the Indigenous communities, such as:

1. Give the land back to tribes.

2. Protect the environment.

3. Elect officials and judges that understand tribal governments, relationships, and law.

4. Invest in tribal economies.

5. Challenge and reject all stereotypes about Indigenous people.

6. Insist that your children and grandchildren are taught accurate information about the histories, cultures, and contemporary lives of Indigenous peoples.

7. Inform yourself about issues impacting Indigenous communities and speak up.

(Source: Ecotrust)

Bottom line

Land acknowledgement is an important part of our history and of our future, and it is a way of learning from the past and building for the future. Regardless, it is even more important to take meaningful action as opposed to doing lip service for something you don’t feel for it. The bottom line is, if you don’t know what they’re doing or why you are doing it, then my suggestion is, don’t do it.

What is your view on land acknowledgement? Leave us a comment below so more people can learn about this concept.