As National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches, we’ve decided to dive deeper on the role that land acknowledgments play in reconciliation.

At the start of a meeting or event, organizers will often make a formal statement recognizing the Indigenous peoples, lands and treaties connected to the place where the event is taking place. In Nova Scotia, this means recognizing that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq, and acknowledging the enduring presence, rights and contributions of Mi’kmaw people.

Land acknowledgments can be one way to support reconciliation. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action encourage Canadians and institutions to deepen their understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and the legacy of colonialism, and to advance reconciliation through education and action.

At Doctors Nova Scotia, this work is part of our broader commitment to truth and reconciliation and to building stronger relationships with Mi’kmaw communities. Here are some ways that Doctors Nova Scotia approaches land acknowledgments.

Make it meaningful
It’s key to give land acknowledgments with intention, accuracy and respect. A strong statement recognizes Indigenous nations and their enduring presence, encourages reflection on our own roles within ongoing colonial systems and connects words to meaningful action.

Simply reciting the names of the Indigenous nations in your area, without sharing any information about them or connecting them to the broader work of your organization, is not going to improve relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Your statement may fall flat, feel performative or be given in a way that is tokenizing and that minimizes responsibility.

Educate and inspire
Do your research! Learn about the Indigenous peoples in your local area: their history, relationships, cultural practices, languages and contributions. Consider sharing a brief learning spotlight in your land acknowledgment (for example, a treaty fact, a Nation’s contribution or a resource). Take your time to get it right; a rushed, mispronounced statement can cause harm.

To help keep your acknowledgment fresh (especially if your team meets regularly), try highlighting a local Indigenous artist, author, thinker or an expert in your field. Mention their contributions or share photos of their work. This can help open up conversations, spark new connections and become an opportunity for people to learn more.

Make it personal
Think about your own relationship and responsibilities to the land and the people whose territory you are on. Share what you’ve learned about the history of the land and your personal connection within ongoing colonial systems, and how you can contribute to reconciliation through your actions and relationships.

Walk the talk
Allyship statements can ring hollow when they lack a call-to-action or next steps. Connect your acknowledgment to the reconciliation work your organization is doing. If possible, explain how one commitment is being put into practice; for example, you could highlight the work to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities, to advance culturally safe care, to support Mi’kmaw and Indigenous health equity or to deepen learning and accountability within your organization.

You could also share a resource, reflection or action that supports ongoing learning and accountability in truth and reconciliation. Suggest a book, film, website or a course for further learning, or highlight a community or cultural event that can help deepen connections.

These steps can help foster more understanding, respect and awareness of Indigenous communities, helping to set the stage for reconciliation.

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