Land Acknowledgement
A DEFINITION:
land acknowledgement: A statement recognizing the land one is occupying as Indigenous. It is also an invitation to take action regarding the history and current practices of colonialism.
CONTEXT & HISTORY:
A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. 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. 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. (Northwestern University)
MEDIA LINKS:
Honor Native Land, Guide to Land Acknowledgements
Are you planning to do a Land Acknowledgement? by Dr. Debbie Reese of Nambé Pueblo (4-minute read)
Hayden King on territorial acknowledgements (14-minute listen, with selected transcript)
Panel on Land Acknowledgements (38-minute video)
Edmonds Neighborhood Action Coalition 