Learn more about Personal Land Acknowledgements

July 2025.

FLA OHT encourages giving a personal land acknowledgement before our meetings and gatherings, as a more meaningful way to honour Indigenous history, past and present. In addition to the information on the Indigenous Initiatives page

For your personal land acknowledgement, ask yourself ...

Whose Traditional Territory am I on?

Do I know the specific Indigenous Peoples or Nations whose traditional land I am on? (avoid generalizations and strive for accuracy)
Do I know about their history, culture, and contributions to the region?
Am I saying the words correctly? Anishinaabe (Ah- nish-ih-nah’-beg), Haudenosaunee (Hoe: deno-shown-ee)

Do I understand the significance?

Do I understand the historical and ongoing impact of colonization on Indigenous Peoples?
Do I understand the importance of acknowledging the land as a step towards reconciliation?

How can I make it personal?

How did I come to reside on this land?
Can I share a personal reflection or connection to the land or Indigenous culture in the acknowledgment?
How does your work or event align with Indigenous values and perspectives?
In what ways does acknowledging the land align with the purpose and values of the event or gathering?
Can I incorporate elements of Indigenous practices or values that resonate with the goals of the event?
What is your relationship to the place you reside in?

How can I express gratitude?

How do I mention and speak about gratitude for the opportunity to live, work, or gather on Indigenous land?
How can I consider what I’ve done over the last few days or experienced to express gratitude?