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Land Acknowledgement Respect Lesson

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Land Acknowledgement Respect Lesson

Read the information and complete the activities. Indigenous peoples are diverse, and Nations have their own names, histories and protocols. Use accurate, locally relevant information and speak respectfully.

A school gathering

Amelia’s class is planning a community gathering. The students want to begin with a land acknowledgement. Their teacher reminds them that an acknowledgement is not just a set of words: it recognizes Indigenous peoples’ enduring relationships with the land and waters, and it can be a starting point for learning and responsible action. The class checks reliable local sources to find out which Indigenous Nations and communities are connected to the place where they meet. They learn that names, relationships and protocols can differ from place to place. They decide not to guess or copy a statement from somewhere else. Instead, they will use verified information, say the Nation names carefully, and consider actions that show respect throughout the year.

1.Which statement best explains the purpose of a land acknowledgement?

It recognizes Indigenous peoples’ relationships with the land and can encourage learning and action.
It proves that everyone agrees about land ownership.
It replaces the need to learn local history.
It is a list of geographical features.

2.Amelia’s class is unsure which Nations are connected to its gathering place. What is the most respectful next step?

Guess based on a nearby place name.
Use reliable local sources and, where appropriate, seek guidance from the relevant Indigenous community.
Use the first acknowledgement they find online without checking it.
Avoid learning any Nation names.

3.True or false: The same land acknowledgement is automatically accurate and appropriate in every Canadian community.

TrueFalse

4.The class finds two local sources that use different spellings for a Nation’s name. Write one sensible step the students could take before presenting.

5.Name two actions, beyond saying an acknowledgement, that could show ongoing respect for Indigenous peoples and the land.

6.A student says, “Once we have read the acknowledgement, we have done everything needed.” Explain why this idea is incomplete.

7.Rewrite this sentence to make it more responsible: “We know all about the Indigenous people who lived here long ago.”

8.Complete the idea: A land acknowledgement should be based on accurate local information and followed by .

9.Write a brief plan for how Amelia’s class can prepare and follow through. Include one way to check local information and one ongoing action the class could take.

10.Why is it important to recognize that Indigenous peoples and their connections to land are present and ongoing, rather than only part of the past?

11.Write one respectful question you could ask when learning about the Indigenous Nations connected to your local area. It should invite learning rather than make assumptions.