Indigenous Womxn of the Week
A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. (http://convention.myacpa.org/boston2019/inclusion/land-acknowledgement/)
- Offer recognition and respect
- Counter the "docterine of discovery" with the true story of the people who were already here
- Create a broader public awareness of the history that has lead to this moment
- Begin to repair relationships with Native communities and with the land
- Support larger truth-telling reconciliation efforts
- Remind people that colonization is an ongoing process, with Native lands still occupied due to deceptive and broken treaties
- Take cue from Indigenous protocol, opening up space with reverence and respect
- Inspire ongoing action and respect
What not to do...
- "land acknowledgment" at Toronto Pride parade
- fails to mention any of Canada's Indigenous communities
- erases Indigenous peoples' presence
- https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-july-2-2019-1.5196775/land-acknowledgements-can-be-used-to-erase-indigenous-people-s-presence-says-writer-1.5196790
“Acknowledgment by itself is a small gesture. It becomes meaningful when coupled with authentic relationships and informed action. But this beginning can be an opening to greater public consciousness of Native sovereignty and cultural rights, a step toward equitable relationship and reconciliation.” U.S. Department of Arts and Culture
What is tribal sovereignty?
- Right to govern themselves
- "domestic dependent nation"
- compels the U.S. to live up to its treaty obligations
"The U.S. Supreme Court has acknowledged that the tribal governments are the oldest sovereigns on the continent—Native American sovereignty predates the sovereignty of the United States."
Why is tribal sovereignty important?
- fishing ri
- gaming
- protecting Native womxn against violent crime
- protecting Native children
Sources to check out:
- https://native-land.ca/territory-acknowledgement/
- https://www.teenvogue.com/story/indigenous-land-acknowledgement-explained
- https://usdac.us/nativeland
- https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/understanding-tribal-sovereignty-the-native-american-rights-fund/
Credits:
Created with images by mollyroselee - "sunset landscape clouds" • Kyle Harrington - "untitled image" • Foundry - "woods fog forest" • Nicholas_Demetriades - "clock tower architecture" • Jess Lindner - "untitled image"