Land Education

Importance of a Land Acknowledgement:

Click here for the complete version of our Land Acknowledgement

Incorporating a Land Acknowledgement into our institutional practices is part of a broader effort to disrupt colonial frameworks and promote awareness, accountability, and action. It invites us to learn, listen, and engage in ways that support Indigenous sovereignty and justice. It also serves as a reminder that the land we occupy is not neutral—it carries histories, cultures, and truths that must be recognized. 

 

While land acknowledgements can be a powerful tool for honoring Indigenous Nations and raising awareness, it’s important to recognize that not all Indigenous communities support them. Some view land acknowledgements as having become performative.

As we reexamine traditional practices and strive for more equitable and respectful engagement, we must also consider alternative or complementary actions. True decolonization requires more than words—it calls for reflection, accountability, and sustained effort toward justice. 

 

Land Acknowledgement: 

Below is our Land Acknowledgement. This abbreviated version is intended for use during public events, meetings, and similar gatherings. 

Shoreline College acknowledges that we occupy the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples. We recognize The Coast Salish people as the caretakers of this land since time immemorial and as a community, we strive towards building authentic relationships with the sovereign nations of this region. In addition, Shoreline College is committed to truth and reconciliation, and the fostering of an inclusive and supportive environment for all Indigenous communities. 

Land Acknowledgement Usage Guide: 

Purpose: Land Acknowledgements recognize the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded the land we reside on. They are a step toward honoring Indigenous sovereignty and promoting awareness of colonial histories and ongoing impacts.  

Abbreviated Version:

Use for: Meetings, introductions, or smaller gatherings, graduations, groundbreaking ceremonies, or general educational settings.

Goal: Acknowledge presence and history in a concise and respectful manner.  

Complete Version: 

Use for: Educational settings to provide deeper context, trainings, or workshops for purposes like decolonizing the workspace. 

Authentic Representation: 

Never require or expect Native employees to read a Land Acknowledgement. If a Native individual volunteers, they may choose to share their own version or statement. It does not have to be a formal Land Acknowledgement, it can reflect story, reflection or anything that feels authentic to them. The goal is not to check a box but to create a space for Indigenous voices and perspectives, in a meaningful way.  

Land Education in Action:

Alternatives: 

If you meet regularly with the same group, consider alternatives to repeating the same Land Acknowledgement. Share a quote or reading from an Indigenous author or an Elder. Prioritize authenticity and reflection, while avoiding redundancy. Remember that Land Acknowledgements are not necessary in every interaction, particularly in ongoing collaborations with Tribal Nations, as repetition can dilute their significance.

 

For more history, resources, and guidance about writing and using Indigenous land acknowledgements, please visit our Land Acknowledgement Learning Guide.