Hi folks,
Publicly acknowledging first nations people and traditional custodians of the land we meet on has been a part of TLCC for many years and becoming more common in other gathering spaces where we meet around the world. But what are Land Acknowledgements and what is their purpose?
Land acknowledgments are a way to primarily show that indigenous communities still exist today and to pay respects for the original stewards of the land.
These resources may be useful in learning more about the importance of land acknowledgements and provide useful information for making a meaningful land acknowledgement.
In Australia we have both a Welcome to Country delivered by traditional owners, and Acknowledgement of Country which is offered by any person as a statement of respect. It’s very important to note that the rules are not universal and different
In Australia a Welcome to Country is performed by traditional owners on the land where an event takes place. Welcome statements are not universal and it’s important where you are to respect the people and their culture.
From Reconciliation Australia:
Protocols for welcoming visitors to Country have always been a part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Boundaries were clear, and crossing into another group’s Country required a request for permission to enter.[1]
Yuin man Jade Kennedy speaks further on the meaning of Welcome to Country[2]
“When I welcome you - when our Aunties and Uncles welcome you - we are welcoming you to a place. But we’re actually welcoming you to the intimate relationship we have to that place. We’re also welcoming you to our kin. We’re welcoming you to the significant relationships we have with the people of our place. We’re welcoming you to our roles, responsibilities and obligations, that keep us connected and bound through these people, to our place.” - Yuin man Jade Kennedy[3].
A Land acknowledgment, also known as Acknowledgement of Country in Australia, is an opportunity for anyone to offer a statement of respect to the traditional owners and custodians on the land in which they are meeting.
It’s important to get some knowledge and first nations people have some great advice
Native Governance Center[4] has a lot of great tips starting with self-reflection, homework on history and names, using authentic language and remembering that first nations people are present and future.
If you want to know what land you are on Native Land Digital[5] and Whose Land[6] are Canadian based NFP mapping traditional lands around the world onto a digital globe. In Australia AIATSIS has a map of traditional lands[7].
Common Ground in Australia[2] have a handy checklist
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT CHECKLIST
Compensate Indigenous people for their emotional labour[4]
Land acknowledgment is a good first step on the road to reconciliation. Think about what your next course of action is[4].
“Connecting with an Elder or Traditional Owner can sometimes be a complex process. Following cultural protocol is important and may include allowing time for customary decision-making and discussion among traditional custodians.” [2]
It doesn’t need to be all grim and learning to laugh at our mistakes is important so we can do better in the future. Thanks to JD for putting me onto Reservation Dogs[8]. I see you and raise you Black Comedy[9].
Thanks to JD Short for these additional resources with a USA/North American focus.
A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment - Native Governance Center
After hosting an Indigenous land acknowledgment event, we put together this written guide based on our panellists' responses. https://nativegov.org/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment/
This is an excellent, thorough, resource for making a meaningful land acknowledgement. If you only read one article, make it this one…
Honor Native Land: A guide and call to acknowledgement
A call to action and guide to open public events and gatherings with acknowledgment of the traditional Native inhabitants of the land. Acknowledgment is a simple, powerful way of showing respect and a step toward correcting the stories and practices that erase Indigenous people’s history and culture
https://usdac.us/nativeland
https://locallove.ca/issues/what-are-land-acknowledgements-and-why-do-they-matter/
Indigenous writer Selena Mills' article "What are land acknowledgements and why do they matter?" is thoughtful and constructive look at land acknowledgement from the point of view of indigenous people with some solid and practicle advice for non-indigenous people that feel akward or out of their element. It's a personal look at some of the thoughts around land acknowledgements with a Canadian focus.
A couple of highlighted quotes:
“…land acknowledgements are a necessary first step toward honoring the original occupants of a place.” “In my opinion, when they [land acknowledgements] are dry, scripted, and obviously hold no meaning to the speaker, I am critical—but I also appreciate that at least they’re being done in more and more spaces.”
“…land acknowledgements are a necessary first step toward honoring the original occupants of a place.”
“In my opinion, when they [land acknowledgements] are dry, scripted, and obviously hold no meaning to the speaker, I am critical—but I also appreciate that at least they’re being done in more and more spaces.”
Not only are there maps by Territory, Language group or Treaty, but there are plenty of other resources there as well like a teachers resource or API endpoints.https://native-land.ca/
Spend time learning about the history of the land you occupy. This is a great and fun tool.
Thank you for this incredibly helpful resource, Heath Wilder!