Anti-Racism Resources: January 2023 — Land Acknowledgments
Compiled by Darliene Howell
This month we are discussing various perspectives on the practice of Land Acknowledgements. Land acknowledgements are written or verbal statements recognizing and honoring those who are indigenous to the places we live and work. We will look at the history of land acknowledgements, consider concerns about the“optic allyship” of this practice, and suggest a variety of actions that can be taken in addition to land acknowledgement.
In 2021, NAAFA adopted the practice of asking our virtual event hosts and guests to share the names of the indigenous peoples whose land they are on while participating in our programming. We also encourage participants to become aware of who’s land they are on. If you do not know whose land you are on, you can find that information at Native Land Digital and enter your city and state for more information. NAAFA is committed to increasing our support of indigenous individuals and organizations, and we continue to explore ways to further support Native communities in the US and globally.
HISTORY
When European settlers arrived in what is now known as the United States to begin colonizing the “new land”, it was already inhabited by people. People that believed the land to be sacred and an inherent part of their lives. Colonizers believed these people to be uncivilized and less than, rather than being honorable and worthy. Europeans’ history in coming to live in North America is fraught with atrocities committed against Native people. Treaties made with Native nations have been broken whenever it was to our benefit to do so and Native sovereignty is often ignored “for the public good”. If we are not descendants of the peoples who initially inhabited the land we are on, the land we now inhabit is stolen land.
Remembering what we have done to Indigenous people is one of the reasons why land acknowledgments are made: to remember how we have come to live on stolen land.
Honor Native Land: A Guide and Call to Acknowledgment - U.S. Department of Arts and Culture
Why Land Acknowledgments Matter - sapiens.org
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement, Explained - Teen Vogue
Indigenous Artists Tell Us What They Think of Land Acknowledgement - Vice
Land acknowledgments meant to honor Indigenous people too often do the opposite – erasing American Indians and sanitizing history instead - The Conversation
RECOGNITION
Is a statement of “I live on the land of the [name of a Native nation]” enough? Without some type of action, it becomes “optic allyship”. Recognition is a good starting place, but action to support indigenous communities is even better.
A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment - Native Governance Center
From acknowledgement to action - Ecotrust
A Self-Assessment - Native Governance Center
ALLYSHIP IN ACTION
Here are some suggestions to help you explore how you can deepen your support of indigenous communities in addition to land acknowledgements.
Pay a voluntary land tax or “real rent” - If nothing’s in place, start one!
Voluntary Land Taxes - Native Governance Center
Start an Honor Tax - The Honor Tax Project
'Symbolic rent': Seattle residents pay reparations to Native American tribe - Reuters
Stay actively informed and involved by attending events or advocating with governmental agencies as issues arise
Volunteer at or give to nonprofits such as these that support Native people or find a local nonprofit that supports the local Native community
Find a local nonprofit by going to Great Nonprofits and using their search bar to enter “Native American” and your city and state to find a organization close to you