After I moved from Florida to Seattle 10 years ago (Where does the time go?), I heard a land acknowledgement for the first time. I don’t remember what event I was attending, but I was very impressed that they started off with that statement. I thought, “You’ll never hear something like that in Florida.” (But I could be wrong about that. It’s been 10 years. Maybe the state has grown up. Doubtful, but I live in hope.)
Anyway, for the uninitiated, a land acknowledgement can take many forms. Here’s one example: “We, at XYZ venue, acknowledge that this land is the traditional territory of the ABC peoples. We recognize the impact of settler colonialism and pledge to nurture our relationship with our indigenous neighbors.”
A land acknowledgement is a respectful gesture. It’s encouraged on many tribal websites. They say that land acknowledgement is a traditional custom dating back centuries for many Native communities and nations.” They also point out that it’s a simple way of resisting the erasure of Indigenous histories and working towards honoring and inviting the truth.
I appreciate the good will behind these acknowledgements. I really do. And it is, indeed, a good idea to remind people of the irreparable harm non-natives have caused these communities, and educate people that the harm continues to this very day.
Unfortunately, when I hear these acknowledgements, in my mind what I hear is, “The land we are standing on was stolen from its rightful owners. We are acknowledging this in order to reduce our guilt about the fact that we are making a bloody fortune by operating this venue on this stolen land. However, an admission of guilt is all we intend to do. If we were to divest ourselves of this property tomorrow, we wouldn’t return it to its rightful owners. We’d sell it to the highest bidder.”
As far as I’m concerned, land acknowledgements that don’t include some form of concrete action to mitigate the damage are not sincere. It’s like saying, “Yes, I am squatting in your house. I admit it. But I intend to stay. It’s a pity that you’re homeless. I promise that I’ll wave and smile at you every time I pass you on the street.”
What I’d love to hear at the end of a land acknowledgement is the following: “We are aware that no amount of reparations or good intentions will repair the damage that has been done to your people, but we will at least give X percent of the profits from this event to charitable organization Y.”
Now, what charitable organization should you choose? Ah, this is where it gets complicated. Often traditional territories can overlap, or be disputed by more than one tribe. How do you avoid offending one group while supporting another?
I would suggest that you find an organization that benefits Native Americans in general. There are quite a few out there, so you’ll need to do your homework. You want to find one with demonstrated positive impact, a mission that appeals to you, and enough transparency so that you’ll understand what the money is used for specifically. A good jumping off point, in my opinion, is an article entitled 9 Best Charities for Native Americans (Complete 2024 List)
Land acknowledgements can come with moral landmines. But anyone who genuinely cares about what they’re saying will not be afraid to put their money where their mouth is. That would definitely resolve my mixed emotions about statements that seem to have become boilerplate for many venues.
Give your words meaning. Take action.
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