Okanagan Nation Alliance has developed a cultural competency resource found at this link: https://www.syilx.org/wellness/resources/cultural-competency/
What is a land acknowledgement?
A Land acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.
Why do we recognize the land?
To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Aboriginal people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. It is important to understand the long standing history that has brought you to reside on the land, and to seek to understand your place within that history. 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.
Important Things to know about acknowledgement.
Moving Beyond Acknowledgement
Although it is important to acknowledge the land, it is only a first step. We are all treaty signers, and are thus responsible and accountable for the violence that Indigenous people face in Canada. Allyship is a continuous process; it is not a designation that one can earn and hold forevermore.
Allies must continually engage in self-reflection, and must consistently work at being an ally (through learning, acting in a de-colonial manner, and sustaining relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
Here are some simple ways you can begin the ongoing and continual process of acting in solidarity with Indigenous people in Canada: about oppression and privilege. About the history of colonization. About Aboriginal peoples and cultures. About the land you live on.
What is a land acknowledgement?
A Land acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.
Why do we recognize the land?
To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Aboriginal people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. It is important to understand the long standing history that has brought you to reside on the land, and to seek to understand your place within that history. 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.
Important Things to know about acknowledgement.
- Include a formal thank you to the host nation whenever making a presentation or holding a meeting, whether or not Aboriginal individuals are part of the meeting or gathering.
- If you do not know the name of the Nation on whose territory or treaty land the building sits, as around; Friendship Centres, Aboriginal Student Centres, local Band Offices are always a good source of information.
- Ask the Friendship Centre or Aboriginal Student Centre for help with pronunciation.
- If that is not possible, call the band office of the Nation after hours and listen to the recording
- Practice saying the name of the host nation out loud
- A land acknowledgement is not something you “just do” before an event. Rather, it is a reflection process in which you build mindfulness and intention walking prior to joining a gathering. This mindfullness should be rooted in honouring the land.
Moving Beyond Acknowledgement
Although it is important to acknowledge the land, it is only a first step. We are all treaty signers, and are thus responsible and accountable for the violence that Indigenous people face in Canada. Allyship is a continuous process; it is not a designation that one can earn and hold forevermore.
Allies must continually engage in self-reflection, and must consistently work at being an ally (through learning, acting in a de-colonial manner, and sustaining relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
Here are some simple ways you can begin the ongoing and continual process of acting in solidarity with Indigenous people in Canada: about oppression and privilege. About the history of colonization. About Aboriginal peoples and cultures. About the land you live on.
- To listen. There are many books, blogs, documentaries, Independent media sites, plays, and songs that Aboriginal people have written and performed that are great places to start learning
- BUILD RELATIONSHIPS: building relationships is essential to many Aboriginal people because relationship is a fundamental and central value of many Aboriginal cultures.
- by being accountable towards Aboriginal people and communities by supporting what they are saying is important, aligning onself with the struggle, and speaking up when something problematic is said.