How to Craft a Land Acknowledgement
Acknowledging land is a long-standing tradition among Indigenous peoples around the globe.
As organizations recognize their impact on marginalized groups, making a statement specific on about the relationship with Indigenous groups has become more commonplace.
What is a Land Acknowledgement?
A land acknowledgement is formal statement from an organization that recognizes their current impact on the past and present Indigenous peoples of a traditional territory.
This declaration affirms that Indigenous peoples were displaced by the institution which was built on stolen land. Moreover, it notes the institution’s intentions to repair its relationship with Indigenous peoples.
Why Are Land Acknowledgments Important?
First and foremost, it is of the utmost importance to recognize Indigenous peoples and their land, as they are the original and rightful owners.
For hundreds of years, the voices of Indigenous peoples have been silenced. Their culture has been erased from school curriculum, the media and museums.
They have been forced to adopt the values and cultures of colonizers and settlers. And forcefully relocated time and time again. Their ancestral ties have been severed and resources have been depleted.
Despite these atrocities, Indigenous peoples have persisted and their resilience deserves recognition.
A land acknowledgement is a step towards reconciliation. To recognize and respect Indigenous peoples with a land acknowledgement demonstrates necessary self-reflection, remorse and growth.
It appreciates the resilience of Indigenous peoples who experienced large-scale theft at the hands of colonizers and settlers. Furthermore, a land acknowledgement is an opportunity to address ongoing efforts to build and repair relationships with Indigenous peoples.
When Are Land Acknowledgements Useful?
There are several ways to present a land acknowledgement.
A land acknowledgement can be delivered orally at the beginning of an event. A brief period of time should be set aside afterward for attendees to process the land acknowledgement.
A land acknowledgment can be displayed on a website and/or social media platform. The land acknowledgement can serve as the header, footer or landing page of a website. On a social media platform, the land acknowledgement can be written in the “biography” or “about” section.
A land acknowledgement can be engraved on a plaque or bench at the entrance of an establishment.
How to Craft a Land Acknowledgement
In order to craft a genuine land acknowledgement, various components are required:
Use Appropriate Language
Solely referring to Indigenous peoples in the past tense is inappropriate. At present, Indigenous communities can be found in various locations around the world (e.g., Canada, Australia and parts of Asia). Therefore, they should be referred to in the past, present and future tenses.
Avoid sugar coating the actions of colonizers and settlers, past and present. Indigenous peoples experienced theft, colonization and genocide. These words hold meaning and should not be circumvented.
Research, Research, Research
Study the history of occupied land and Indigenous communities. Are there relevant conflicts and treaties? Is the Indigenous population still present? What current events affect the Indigenous peoples?
Clarity and Specificity
Use clear and concise language when writing a land acknowledgement. Be sure to include all relevant details.
Address the Future
In addition to the land acknowledgment, how does the institution intend to advocate for and make reparations to the Indigenous peoples? How will the institution continue to build a relationship with the Indigenous peoples?
Stay Positive
The past may be dark, but the future is bright! Focus on Indigneous peoples today, their contributions to the world and actions being taken to empower their community. Use the land acknowledgement to uplift and encourage the Indigenous community.
Examples of Land Acknowledgements
Goshen College
We want to acknowledge that we gather as Goshen College on the traditional land of the Potawatomi and Miami Peoples past and present, and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations. This calls us to commit to continuing to learn how to be better stewards of the land we inhabit as well.
The City of Toronto
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.
Resources for Further Education
(Article) Indigenous Peoples - World Bank
(Article) Indigenous Peoples - Amnesty International
(Interactive Map) A Guide to Territories, Languages and Treaties - Native Land
A Step Toward Reconciliation
While it may feel unfamiliar, land acknowledgements are utterly important to Indigenous peoples. Land acknowledgements are a sacred tradition. And this tradition should be honored by non-Indigenous people as a reconciliatory practice.
If your institution was built on stolen land, consider creating a land acknowledgement to be read at gatherings, posted on social media platforms and displayed on the organization’s website.