25 Purpose and Practice of Land Acknowledgements (3.3.2)

What is a Land Acknowledgement?

The University of Toronto/Indigenous U of T (n.d.) defines land acknowledgement as follows. 

“The Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement recognizing the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.“

Why do People Acknowledge the Land?

The following explanation describes why many people include land acknowledgements at the start of events, meetings, and gatherings:

To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. It is important to understand the long standing history that has brought you to reside on the land, and to seek to understand your place within that history. Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is a current ongoing process, and we need to build our mindfulness of our present participation. It is also worth noting that acknowledging the land is Indigenous protocol. — Laurier Students’ Public Interest Research Group (LSPIRG), n.d.

When and Where to Offer a Land Acknowledgement

A land acknowledgement is usually offered at the beginning of an event, after welcoming the audience and before starting formal remarks. This might include meetings, presentations, classes, or ceremonies. As a future leader, you may want to prepare a land acknowledgement to use in staff meetings, conferences, or public events.

Best Practices for Giving a Land Acknowledgement

The Laurier Students’ Public Interest Research Group (LSPIRG) (n.d.) shares several helpful guidelines for giving respectful and meaningful land acknowledgements:

• The land acknowledgement should be delivered by the host of the event or meeting, not delegated to someone else.
• Offer a formal thank you to the host Nation when holding a meeting or giving a presentation, regardless of whether Indigenous people are present.
• If you don’t know which Nation, territory, or treaty the land is part of, take time to learn. Ask at a Friendship Centre, Aboriginal Student Centre, or local Band Office.
• Ask for help with pronunciation if needed—practicing the name of the Nation aloud shows care and respect.
• Some Band Offices include a recording with proper pronunciation on their voicemail system.
• Most importantly, remember: a land acknowledgement is not just a formality. It should be a meaningful reflection. It invites you to walk into a space with intention, to honour whose land you are on, and to guide your words and actions with respect.

Moving Beyond Land Acknowledgement

Land acknowledgements are a meaningful way to recognize the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. However, offering a land acknowledgement is only the first step. To truly honour Indigenous communities, we must also take ongoing action.

We are all treaty people. That means we carry responsibility and accountability for the impacts of colonization, including the violence that Indigenous Peoples continue to face. True allyship is not a status you can claim for yourself—it is a continual process that is demonstrated through your choices, relationships, and actions.

To be an ally, you must reflect regularly, learn continually, and commit to actions that support Indigenous rights, voices, and leadership. This includes acting in decolonial ways and building long-term relationships with Indigenous communities.

Ways to Support Indigenous Communities

Below are three ways to begin building a practice of meaningful solidarity with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

1. Learn

Start by educating yourself. Learn about the following:

• Colonial history and the ongoing impacts of colonization

• Oppression and privilege, and how these systems work

• Indigenous Peoples, cultures, and histories

• The land you live on

• How to listen with humility and respect

Books, blogs, documentaries, Indigenous media, plays, and songs created by Indigenous artists and storytellers are excellent places to begin.

2. Build Relationships

Solidarity is rooted in genuine relationships. A simple way to begin is by connecting with Indigenous communities and student groups on your campus or in your city.

3. Act

Take action by standing with Indigenous people. This includes the following:

• Listening to and amplifying Indigenous voices

• Speaking up when you hear something disrespectful or harmful

• Supporting community efforts and events

• Being accountable for your words and actions

Allyship requires more than good intentions—it requires follow-through and a willingness to be corrected and grow.

Attribution

This section contains material taken from “Land Acknowledgement” and from “Know the land territories campaign,” and is used under Section 30.04 of The Copyright Act.