Land acknowledgment is an initial and foundational step toward reconciliation. It is significant and important for many reasons:

  • Indicates reverence and respect for the land and Native inhabitants who have cared for the land from the earliest times.
  • Encourages understanding and appreciation of Native culture, past and present.
  • Supports the sharing of truth related to the “discovery” of America, colonization, treaties, and current practices that impact Native communities.
  • Emphasizes recognition of tribal sovereignty and the resilience of Indigenous peoples.
  • States a commitment to learning about and partnering with Indigenous communities.