Excessive Land Acknowledgements: Waste

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Post on Nov 21, 2024

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Excessive Land Acknowledgements: A Waste of Time? My Take.

Hey everyone, let's talk about something that's been bugging me – land acknowledgements. Now, before you jump down my throat, hear me out. I'm totally onboard with acknowledging the Indigenous peoples whose land we occupy. It's the right thing to do, a crucial step towards reconciliation. But lately, I've noticed a trend... an excess of these acknowledgements, and I'm starting to wonder if we're losing sight of the forest for the trees. It's kinda like those overly long disclaimers on medicine bottles – we just skim past them.

I mean, I've been to events where the acknowledgement took longer than the actual presentation! Seriously. It felt performative, almost like checking a box. Remember that time I went to that conference on sustainable agriculture? The land acknowledgement was, like, five minutes long! Five minutes! And, honestly, it felt awkward. The speaker rushed through it; it wasn't heartfelt. It felt... hollow. That’s what I'm trying to get at.

Are We Diluting the Meaning?

One time, I was helping organize a small community event – a potluck, nothing fancy. We included a land acknowledgment, which I thought was great, but I messed up big time. I just grabbed a generic one from the internet. Total fail. It didn't even mention the specific Indigenous nation whose land we were on! It just felt generic, like I was going through the motions. The whole thing felt totally inauthentic, and that's the opposite of what we're aiming for, right?

This isn't about avoiding responsibility; it's about making sure our actions are genuine and impactful. If we're going to make these acknowledgements, let's do it right.

So, What Can We Do Differently?

Here’s my two cents:

• Specificity is Key: Don't just say "the traditional custodians of this land." Do your research. Find out which Indigenous nation is relevant. Then, mention their specific name, and maybe a little bit about their history or current situation on that land, without oversimplifying or misrepresenting.

• Less is More: A short, respectful, and thoughtful acknowledgement is way more effective than a long, rushed, or generic one. Brevity can be powerful. It leaves a greater lasting impression. Focus on authenticity over length.

• Beyond Words: Land acknowledgements shouldn't just be words. They should be part of a larger commitment to reconciliation. Think about supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, learning about Indigenous cultures, and working towards justice and equity. Actions speak louder than words, y'know?

• Context Matters: Not every event needs a lengthy land acknowledgement. A simple and respectful mention might suffice in certain contexts. Think about the purpose of the event and tailor the acknowledgment accordingly.

• Learn from the Experts: Reach out to Indigenous communities and elders for guidance. They're the best source of information and can help ensure your acknowledgement is appropriate and respectful. Don’t rely on cookie-cutter templates; get to know the local culture, if possible.

I get it, some folks might say I'm being overly critical. But I think we need to be mindful of how we approach this. We don't want to dilute the importance of land acknowledgements by making them perfunctory. Let's focus on making them meaningful, respectful, and impactful—actions that resonate rather than words that fade away. What do you think? Let’s discuss!