Land Acknowledgements
Land and territorial acknowledgements have become increasingly common practice in many spaces. While the practice may seem new to non-Indigenous people, acknowledging relationships to spaces and places is an ancient Indigenous practice. In fact, Indigenous land acknowledgments existed long before colonization.
These acknowledgments were part of traditional protocols and ceremonies, reflecting the deep connection between Indigenous peoples and their lands. They were a way to honor and respect the land, as well as to recognize the relationship and responsibilities that come with it. When tribes entered new territories, they would often recognize the existing Indigenous peoples and their relationship fostering mutual respect and cooperation.
When acknowledging the territory, you are in you are focusing on - and showing respect to - the First Nation who cared for this land before colonization. In Mi'kma'ki this is the Mi’kmaq who have been here for more than 13,000 years. All others are settlers or a descendant of settlers who arrived within the last 400+ years.
An example of a simple land acknowledgement used in the email signatures of staff at the Human Rights Commission’s Halifax office:
“With deep respect for the Mi'kmaq people, the Commission acknowledges that we are located in Kjipuktuk, on the unceded ancestral territory of Mi'kma'ki. This land is covered by the sacred Peace and Friendship Treaties signed with the British Crown in the early 1700’s. We honor the profound historical and spiritual connections of the Mi'kmaq people to this land, where their ancestor’s legacy endures. As Treaty people, we are bound by the promises made in these Treaties, guiding us in mutual respect and Reconciliation. We commit to working together in harmony with respect for the Mi'kmaq people, their culture, and their rights. Msit No'kmaq ~ All My Relations.”
While treaties or agreements continue to be signed between nations, traditional ways remain an integral part of the Mi'kmaw culture. Using the word, "unceded" acknowledges that the L'nu'k (Mi'kmaq) never gave up their rightful place for maintaining their livelihood and traditional way of life. In this pirit, let your actions show respect for - or directly include - the Mi'kmaq in a positive way.
For Reflection
While other nationality groups living in Canada have a recognized country that is their homeland, the First nation does not. What would Canada's country be like today, had the first nation not been denied their rightful place?