Understanding Land Acknowledgments: Purpose and Practice

More Than Words

Land acknowledgments have become commonplace at public events, in institutional settings, and at the beginning of meetings across Canada. But what makes a land acknowledgment meaningful rather than performative? Understanding the history and purpose behind this practice is essential for genuine reconciliation.

The Origins

The practice of acknowledging traditional territories has deep roots in Indigenous diplomatic protocol. Long before European contact, nations would recognize and honor the territory they were visiting as a sign of respect and as an acknowledgment of the relationships between peoples and lands.

Modern Context

In contemporary Canada, land acknowledgments serve several important purposes:

• They challenge the notion of terra nullius — the colonial fiction that the land was empty
• They affirm the ongoing relationship between Indigenous peoples and their territories
• They educate non-Indigenous people about the history of the land they occupy
• They create space for conversation about treaties, rights, and reconciliation

"A land acknowledgment is a first step, not a destination. It opens a door to deeper understanding and meaningful action."

— Professor James Okanagan

Best Practices

A meaningful land acknowledgment should include research into the specific nations whose territory you are on, acknowledgment of treaties and agreements, and most importantly, a commitment to ongoing action toward reconciliation.