Journey to Reconciliation

A land acknowledgement involves making a statement recognizing the traditional territory of the Indigenous people(s) who called the land home before the arrival of settlers, and in many cases still do call it home.

Providing an acknowledgement at the beginning of an event or meeting gives time for reflection and demonstrates recognition of Indigenous lands, treaties and peoples. It involves thinking about what happened in the past and present, and what changes can be in the future in order to further the reconciliation process. A land acknowledgement is a reflection process in which you build mindfulness and intention into whatever event or gathering you are having.

Land acknowledgements mark a small and important step in the process of reconciliation. By making a territorial acknowledgement you are taking part in an act of reconciliation, honouring the land and Indigenous presence which dates back over 10,000 years.

It is important to note that this is only the beginning and is a call to action. It serves a reminder that we are all accountable to work on actions that move us towards reconciliation.

Inspired by the 94 recommended calls to action contained in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (now known as the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, or NCTR), land acknowledgements are a necessary first step toward honouring the original occupants of a place. They also help Canadians recognize and respect Indigenous peoples’ inherent kinship beliefs when it comes to the land, especially since those beliefs were restricted for so long.

Land acknowledgements aren’t about placing blame, and not all Indigenous peoples agree on their efficacy or even on how they should be done—especially when they are sloppy, done without Indigenous consultation or don’t reflect actual Indigenous inclusion and representation within organizations as a whole. Part of the point in making land acknowledgements is to recognize how systemic and institutional systems of power have oppressed Indigenous peoples, and how that oppression has historically influenced the way non-Indigenous people perceive and interact with Indigenous peoples - all still quite prevalent in today’s cultural, social and political climate.

Source: Indigenous writer Selena Mills

An acknowledgement is offered at the opening of meetings, ceremonies, lectures or public events. It is to be offered even if there may be no Indigenous individuals present.

Doing a land acknowledgment at the beginning of a meeting does not mean our work and actions are done. The work we need to do towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a long-term journey which takes commitment, action and meaningful relationship building.

Typically the host of the event – (a non-Indigenous member of the group) will offer the acknowledgement.

The person offering the acknowledgement first introduces themselves and may include family lineage and other connections to the land and Indigenous people if they so choose.

• Find out which groups of First Peoples are connected to the land on which the event is happening so that they can be properly acknowledged for their care of and connection to the land.
• Practice pronouncing the names of the nations that will be acknowledged as a way of respecting those Indigenous groups and their languages.
• Seek input of a community Elder if you have further questions or if you wish to develop a land acknowledgement for your own group or workplace.

Speaking from the heart about colonialism and your personal path on reconciliation is challenging. A first step is to speak to what you know: your own positionality, your settler background, your relationship (or lack thereof) with Indigenous people in Canada.

Acknowledgements should be tailored to reflect:

• Your personal experience and learning.
• The connections with the land.
• Your relationship with Indigenous people.

If you do not know how to pronounce the local First Nations name or territory, find out how to pronounce the names and practice before doing the acknowledgement.

Here are a few places where you can learn more for your own Journey to Reconciliation.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action

In order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 calls to action. We all can respond to these calls.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports

UN Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

Indigenous Allyship: An Overview

21 Things you may not have known about the Indian Act

Read a Book

• Indigenous authors recommended by the CBC.
• Purchase books from an Indigenous business through Goodminds.

Listen to Music

A Spotify playlist by Indigenous artists on a free space for Canadian Indigenous music creators currently curated by Jayli Wolf.

Watch Indigenous Cinema

• Film created by an Indigenous artist or with an Indigenous theme offered through the National Film Board of Canada.
• Bruce County's Kincardine and Tiverton Branches offer video-streaming service of Indigenous cinema on Kanopy (will require an account to log in.)

Move to Action

Take action on a personal, organizational, and community level with the Calls to Action.

Saugeen Ojibway Nation