Chrysalis Lab is devoted to promoting diversity and inclusion by helping organizations transform their internal cultures. We believe land acknowledgement should only be used when they are grounded in integrity and provide a framework for open dialogue and action.
A Land acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes the Indigenous peoples as the original stewards of the land on which you currently live or work.
More than anything, remember that Native Nations are sovereign governments with their own cultures, beliefs and jurisdictions and deserve our respect as the original inhabitants of the lands we now build community on.
Here are some tips for crafting a land acknowledgment:
- The acknowledgment should be genuine and motivated by respect and support for Indigenous peoples.
- Land acknowledgments shouldn’t be repeatedly used pre-scripted statements since it may appear insincere. Personalize them as much as possible.
- Research Indigenous place names and include them in local land acknowledgements. For instance, in Georgia, it would be appropriate to acknowledge the primary Indigenous American nations who inhabited the state which were the Cherokee Nation and Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
- Prior to penning a land acknowledgement, engage in dialogue with Native Nations and people who have ancestral lands there to get their input. Find ways to partner with Native people and Tribal Nations.
- If you ask Tribal Nations or Native people to help prepare or deliver the statement, be prepared to offer compensation. You might also consider making donations to organizations that support Tribal sovereignty.
- Include action steps for supporting Indigenous people. Make sure the actions are what Tribal Nations actually want. Tribal Nations are clear about their priorities – all we need to do is ask.
- Don’t use language that makes it sound like Native people are no longer here. Today, there are 574 federally recognized tribes in the U.S. with vibrant cultures and sovereign governments.
Sources: https://www.eliseblasingame.com/land-acknowledgment
https://fakequity.com/2020/11/20/land-acknowledgements/
https://nativegov.org/news/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment/
https://illuminative.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Land_Acknowledgement.pdf
- Beyond Acknowledgement: Respecting the Land and the People - November 25, 2024
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