Beyond the Script: Making Land Acknowledgements Meaningful in 2025
Every Christmas I look forward to an annual dinner with friends that I have known since grade 9. Our conversation this past December ran the gamut of work, kids, housing, and some politics. We also got into the topic of Land Acknowledgements. I don’t remember how we got there, but I observed the conversation for a while before actually saying anything.
Our small group of 5 (excluding me) represents a variety of work sectors including insurance, medical/health, computer science, and telecommunications, and each of them agreed that the delivery of Land Acknowledgements is broken. They noted that in their workplaces Land Acknowledgements lack meaning and substance, it is basically a script read over and over. They shared stories of people clearly preoccupied with other things and not paying attention during Land Acknowledgements, and a lack of interest even by those leading the land acknowledgement as they don’t take the time to learn the pronunciation of First Nation, Métis and Inuit names. They admitted that they have forgotten why this practice was started and acknowledged that they don’t know the change that it is supposed to bring about.
At some point in the conversation my friends turned to me and asked, what are you seeing and what are we missing here?
I told them that their experience of Land Acknowledgements is common. Many employees and leaders are struggling with this practice and some are deciding to do away with them, while others are keeping with the status quo script although they recognize that something is missing.
I believe we need to change and advance our thinking related to Land Acknowledgements. It's like we’ve learned one step of a dance move and got stuck in this step. Over time it gets repetitive, tedious, and meaningless because there is no progression. We need to see the bigger picture, (the entire dance routine) and consistently remind ourselves of the purpose and end goal.
Land Acknowledgements have become regular practice at the start of meetings, public events and gatherings. They are done to recognize the unique and enduring relationship that exists between First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples and their territories, as well as the history of colonialism, and a need for change in settler colonial societies. Over the last few years, pausing for a Land Acknowledgement was a moment of learning as many of us were not aware of the territorial and or treaty history of the land that we work on. Now that we are more knowledgeable about this, it is time to learn step two, it’s time for Land Acknowledgements to evolve.
Consider thinking about Land Acknowledgements as a tool and way to ground a meeting in truth and reconciliation. How might you revise and create a new reflection piece that interrupts default ways of gathering and engaging with others. Here are five ideas to help evolve this practice:
Rewrite the script: Craft acknowledgements that feel genuine and relevant to your team’s work. Don’t just repeat a generic statement; connect it to the people, land, and history in your area. Seek guidance if needed to make it accurate and thoughtful.
Connect to Action: Tie Truth and Reconciliation to your industry. What practical steps can your organization take to make reconciliation part of its culture? For instance, a tech company might explore partnerships with Indigenous-led organizations or improve access to digital education.
Commit to Related Projects and Learning: Commit to consistent initiatives, such as inviting guest speakers, organizing workshops, or encouraging team members to read or listen to Indigenous stories. These activities keep reconciliation top of mind throughout the year.
Link to Current Issues: Explore how reconciliation intersects with broader socio-economic challenges, like housing, health care, and education inequities. Use these insights to foster understanding and action within your team.
Share Your Journey: Reflect openly on your experiences, questions, and lessons learned about reconciliation. Authenticity inspires others to engage thoughtfully.
As we enter 2025, it’s time to rethink how Land Acknowledgements are delivered. They’re not just a formality, they can be opportunities for meaningful change.
Chanel Grenaway & Associates Inc. is committed to helping leaders, staff teams and boards align with their anti-racism and inclusion goals through continuous learning and practice change. Do you need support to start or accelerate your equity practice and outcomes? Happy to hop on a call with you to see how I might help. Let’s chat.