From 1883 to 1997, over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their communities and placed in residential schools across Canada. Many never returned, and those who did often felt disconnected from their families and cultures. The impact of residential schools continues to reverberate through Indigenous communities today.
Land acknowledgements gained prominence following the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report, which called on settlers to reflect on their role in advancing its 94 calls to action. Now common at meetings and events, they are offered by settlers as a gesture of respect and a reminder that the land we are on was stolen from Indigenous Peoples and built with the stolen labour of Black, Indigenous, and racialized people.
Today, land acknowledgements are offered in place of land itself. Traditional stewards are honoured with words but often met with silence and complacency when calling for systemic change.
As communicators, we are called to lead by example. Let’s be more intentional while offering land acknowledgments. Learn to correctly pronounce the names of the First Nations you’re recognizing. Share what you’re doing to further Truth and Reconciliation, whether at work, in your community, or within your family and social circles.
All settlers benefit from the stolen land and violence resulting from colonization, and we each have a role in building a future that uplifts Indigenous communities.
IABC/Toronto is early in its reconciliation journey, and we’re committed to learning alongside our members. Stay tuned for more learning opportunities. We also recognize that Indigenous teachings vary from Nation to Nation; please consult with an Elder or Knowledge Keeper to learn more.