Picture this: you walk into a workshop that your company is running, and the facilitator begins with a land acknowledgement. The facilitator whizzes through the acknowledgement, and you can barely remember the names mentioned. Anyway, it’s been a long week, and your mind is elsewhere. As the workshop progresses, Indigenous topics never come up again. You’re left wondering: what was the point?
Land acknowledgements have become almost routine, showing up at work meetings, in email signature – even at hockey games! They are intended as political statements, recognizing the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis territories on which we live and work in Canada. However, many Indigenous voices argue that these acknowledgements have often become superficial, performative, and, therefore, problematic. Too often, organizations copy and paste a generic statement that hasn’t been updated in a long time, ticking off a box without truly understanding or meaning what they say.
So, how can we rethink the concept of land acknowledgements?
Make it meaningful.
A land acknowledgment should be more than just words – it should resonate with the context in which it’s being delivered. Think about why you’re making the acknowledgment and how it relates to your event, your organization, or your work. For example, if you’re hosting a workshop on environmental sustainability, acknowledge the traditional ecological knowledge of the Indigenous peoples whose land you occupy. This makes the acknowledgment relevant and thoughtful, grounding your event in a deeper understanding of place.
Do the work.
Accuracy matters. Too many land acknowledgments are riddled with mistakes, from mispronounced names to incorrect territory claims. This not only diminishes the acknowledgment, but also disrespects the very communities it’s meant to honour. Take the time to research the specific land you’re on. Learn the correct names and pronunciations, and ensure your acknowledgment reflects the true history and current reality of that place. Resources like Whose Land can be a good starting point, but engaging with local Indigenous communities for verification is even better.
Match words with action.
Words are powerful, but they must be backed by action. A land acknowledgment should be the beginning, not the end, of your commitment to Reconciliation. Consider how your organization can support Indigenous communities through tangible actions – whether it’s through partnerships, donations, advocacy, or changes in policy. Reflect on how your work can align with the principles of Truth and Reconciliation and make this a regular part of your organizational practice.
Collaborate with Indigenous voices.
When crafting a land acknowledgment, collaboration is key. Engage with local Indigenous peoples or communities to seek their input and guidance. This ensures that your acknowledgment is not only accurate, but also respectful and meaningful to those whose land you occupy. Collaboration also opens the door for building stronger relationships and understanding between your organization and Indigenous peoples, moving beyond acknowledgment to genuine partnership.
Land acknowledgements, when done thoughtfully, can be powerful statements of recognition and respect. But, to avoid falling into the trap of performativity, we must be intentional. Consider revisiting your land acknowledgement if you haven’t done so recently. Ask yourself: does it reflect a deep understanding of the land and its people? Does it resonate with your work and your values? And, most importantly, are your words matched with actions that contribute to Reconciliation?
In an era where Reconciliation is more than just a buzzword, our land acknowledgements must evolve beyond routine to become meaningful, impactful, and genuine. It’s time to rethink how we approach them – because words matter, but how we use them matters even more.
Interested in learning more? Check out the following resources:
- Territory Acknowledgement (Native Land) Native Land
- A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement Native Governance Center
- How to do a Land Acknowledgement Trent University