As I’ve been blogging away for the last several months about all the fascinating things I’ve been learning about Indigenous cultures, ways of life, histories, etc., it has been in the back of my mind that I should take on the task of writing a land acknowledgement to include on the website.
Not only is it necessary as a way of honouring the Indigenous peoples who have been stewards of the land I currently live and work on, but as a writer it means a lot to me to have a good understanding of what should be considered while crafting something as important as a land acknowledgement.
As I’ve been reading up on this topic in preparation for writing my own land acknowledgement, I have compiled a list of ten things to think about.
1. Research and Accuracy:
Ensure that your acknowledgment is accurate and reflects the specific Indigenous nations or tribes associated with the land. Research the history and current presence of Indigenous peoples in the area.
There are so many ways to accomplish this, but for starters, you could visit the following web sites to search for information about the land you currently inhabit:
2. Specificity:
Be specific about the location. Mention the names of the Indigenous nations or tribes and, if possible, acknowledge any treaties or agreements that pertain to the land.
The websites I mentioned above can help you with this level of specificity, including correct spellings, and help with pronunciation.
This is a great opportunity for me to share a video featuring Stephen Paquette, a well-known elder in the community where I live and work. He articulates this specificity I’ve mentioned in a very deep and meaningful way:
In Our Voices: Land Acknowledgement
3. Cultural Sensitivity:
Approach the acknowledgment with cultural sensitivity. Use respectful language and avoid romanticizing or stereotyping Indigenous peoples. It’s crucial to be aware of the diverse cultures and histories of different Indigenous groups.
4. Ongoing Connection:
Acknowledge the ongoing connection of Indigenous peoples to the land. Recognize that they have been stewards of the land for generations and continue to maintain their cultural practices and relationships with the environment.
5. Acknowledgment of Injustices:
Acknowledge historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, such as colonization, displacement, and marginalization. Recognize the resilience and resistance of Indigenous communities.
6. Inclusivity:
Acknowledge the diversity within Indigenous communities. Recognize that there are various nations, tribes, and languages, each with its unique history and traditions.
7. Educational Component:
Consider including a brief educational component in your acknowledgment, providing context about the history of the land and its original inhabitants. This is another reason why we might mention any relevant treaties or agreements.
8. Consultation:
If possible, consult with local Indigenous communities or individuals to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of your acknowledgment. Respect their input and incorporate their feedback.
9. Integration:
If the land acknowledgement is being used for a gathering on treaty lands, integrate the land acknowledgment seamlessly into the event’s program. Avoid treating it as a mere formality, which can come across as disrespectful. Instead, make it a meaningful and integral part of the event. It can be an opportunity to educate those in attendance.
In the case of my blog, I have a platform to use for educating others about what I know about the land and its peoples, which leads us to the last point.
10. Commitment to Action:
Express a commitment to learning more about Indigenous histories, supporting Indigenous initiatives, and fostering ongoing relationships with local Indigenous communities. Use the acknowledgment as an opportunity to encourage others to do the same.
At the end of the day, the goal when writing a land acknowledgement is to create a sincere and respectful acknowledgment that fosters awareness, understanding, and a commitment to reconciliation and partnership.
To read the land acknowledgement I wrote for this blog, please visit the About page.
Join the conversation by commenting below.
What is your experiences with writing a land acknowledgment?
Do you agree with the list above?
What do you think of the land acknowledgement for this blog?