8 Ways to Go Beyond Land Acknowledgement
It’s taken me some time to find the right words to write this post.
The recent news of the 215 children found in unmarked graves at the former Kamploops residential school haunts me daily, as I walk my daughter to and back from daycare and tuck her into bed every night. I’m an aunt to three nephews and a niece.
This isn’t unconscious bias. This is indigenous racism. Since the 1800s, indigenous cultures have been destroyed and languages have been suppressed, in the name of assimilation, politics, religion and to be one nation. I can’t begin to imagine the trauma this has brought to the residential school survivors and their families for generations to come. They have witnessed and carried this trauma for so long and continue to confront this institutional racism every single day - in every single sector - healthcare, education, finance, housing, technology, etc.
Wherever we are in Canada, we need to confront this native land’s dark past, recognize the horrific truths and talk about it every single time, something like this is unravelled. In light of the current institutionalized racism towards black, indigenous and people of colour, it is our responsibility to continue this conversation and do better.
National Indigenous History Month:
June is National Indigenous History Month and honours the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Let’s learn, and appreciate the contributions, strength and resilience of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. Let’s go beyond simple land acknowledgement because reconciliation is about trust and we, the immigrants/settlers need to listen and act from a place of integrity, humility and kindness.
Here are eight ways to go beyond land acknowledgement:
- Do you know how many indigenous communities are in your province/territory? Learn about native lands within Canada and around the world @nativelandnet Every country has its share of genocide and darkness. Because confronting our own ancestral past is key to understanding, reflecting and reconciling as a society. Question your own implicit biases and assumptions.
- For your children, let them hear traditional songs, stories and legends and read about the indigenous cultures, histories and lands that they live, learn and play on. Celebrate National Indigenous History Month with this learning and activity guide. (link)
- Canada is beautiful - when you’re travelling within Canada, take some time to stop by and seek authentic indigenous experience.
- Do you love to go to street festivals? & try foods? Then find indigenous restaurants, festivals and events around your area, meet and connect with the indigenous community.
- Continue to read and share with your families and friends about the current issues (poor health, low levels of education, unemployment, incarceration, suicide & more) concerning indigenous peoples in Canada, all resulting from the Indian Act. What is the Indian Act? Read ‘The 21 Thing You May Not Know about the Indian Act’ by Bob Joseph. (link) Did you know the last residential school in Canada closed only in 1996? Learn. Remember. Reconcile.
- Shop and support indigenous-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. Check out Shop the Nations. (link)
- Learn common words and phrases. Recently I learned to say ‘Welcome all of you’ in Squamish (link)- ‘ki-ach-ten to-noyap’
- Finally, on Canada Day, wear Orange to acknowledge the rights-holders of this country. While I’m thankful for being able to embrace and practice my culture, language and religion in this country as an immigrant, let’s never forget the indigenous peoples journey and always be thankful for own journeys here.
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