What is a land acknowledgment and why is it significant?
Originally developed from 94 recommended calls to action contained in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, a territorial or land acknowledgement is an act of reconciliation that involves recognizing the traditional territory of indigenous peoples, and the ongoing harmful legacies of colonialism. A land acknowledgement is a moment of self-reflection, education and disruption to everyday life by recognizing Indigenous land rights, treaties and peoples. Though a small gesture, it is a start of being accountable for the history of colonialism and continued impact of colonial settler society. Land Acknowledgement situates the current relationships with indigenous peoples and moves the conversation about reconciliation forward. There is no one way in which do a land acknowledgment as it is dependent area. In order to develop a land acknowledgment, one must accurately understand the history of the land and consult with Metis, First Nations and Inuit communities. On the next tab, there is information about Concordia's land acknowledgment development.
Here are a few questions to consider when developing a land acknowledgment:
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What is your relationship with Metis, First Nations and Inuit?
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What is the history of this territory? What are the impacts of colonialism here?
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What is your relationship to this territory? How did you come to be here?
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What intentions do you have to disrupt and dismantle colonialism beyond this territorial acknowledgement?
This resources provides further information about land, treaties and diversity of communities.
Based on: Goodleaf, D. (2021). Concordia’s Territorial Acknowledgment [PowerPoint slides]. Indigenous Directions Leadership Group, Concordia University.
