Problem With Land Acknowledgements

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Post on Nov 21, 2024

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The Problem with Land Acknowledgements: Are We Doing it Right?

Hey everyone, let's talk about something that's been on my mind lately: land acknowledgements. You know, those little statements we hear at the beginning of events, acknowledging the Indigenous peoples on whose land we're gathering? I used to think they were a simple, straightforward gesture of respect. Boy, was I wrong.

It's like, I remember this one conference I went to – fancy pants thing, all about social justice, ironically. They did a land acknowledgement, but it felt… empty. Like a checkbox they ticked, not a genuine reflection. It was just words, read quickly, and then bam, onto the next thing. It made me super uncomfortable. It felt performative, you know? Like, are we really acknowledging anything, or are we just doing this to look good?

<h3>Beyond the Words: The Deeper Issue</h3>

That's the real problem, isn't it? A lot of these acknowledgements are just…blah, blah, blah. They lack substance. They're often generic, failing to specify the actual Indigenous nations whose land we're on. Using a generic statement, like "we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land," just doesn't cut it. It's lazy and disrespectful.

And that leads to another huge problem: lack of action. An acknowledgement is a starting point, not the finish line. What's the point of acknowledging the land if we aren't doing anything to address the ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous communities? It's akin to saying “I respect you” and then ignoring the person who needs respect. It's a bit gaslighting, you know?

<h3>Doing it Right: Moving Beyond Performative Acknowledgements</h3>

So, what's the solution? How do we make land acknowledgements meaningful? I think it starts with education, my friends. We need to learn the history of the land we're on, research the specific Indigenous nations, and understand their ongoing struggles. I know, it's not exactly "easy."

Here are some tips:

• Specificity is key: Instead of generic statements, research the specific Indigenous nations whose land you're on. Use their names and be precise. You might be surprised at the variety of Indigenous communities that exist within a single geographical location. Don't just grab the first information you see; properly research it. There is so much rich information online.
• Go beyond the words: A land acknowledgement shouldn't be a standalone event. It should be a call to action. Consider incorporating meaningful actions into your event. Perhaps it's donating to an Indigenous-led organization or inviting an Indigenous speaker to share their perspective.
• Consult with Indigenous communities: The best way to ensure an authentic and respectful acknowledgement is to consult with the Indigenous community itself. This shows respect and avoids unintentional appropriation or misrepresentation. They have resources, and plenty of them. It can provide a rich understanding and context that you simply can't get any other way.

<h3>The Ongoing Journey</h3>

This isn't about perfection, folks. It's about progress. We're all learning, and we'll all make mistakes. But we can't just keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. Let's move beyond the performative and work toward genuine reconciliation. I truly believe that the future is in moving beyond these acknowledgements and actually doing things that truly matter. It is an action-oriented and impactful journey that demands a commitment to justice and truth-telling. That is our greatest goal.

This is a journey, not a destination. But let's strive to make land acknowledgements more than just empty words. Let's make them a powerful symbol of respect, understanding, and a commitment to a more just future. Because, in the end, that's what truly matters.