A land acknowledgement recognizes the essential and enduring connection between the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation and our traditional, ancestral and unceded lands. Since our ancestral lands were taken without agreement or treaty, land acknowledgements are one way to recognize and show respect for our ancient and continued connection to these traditional lands.
There are many ways to express or write a land acknowledgement. What is most important is that you sincerely express why acknowledgement matters when speaking or writing the words. We have provided two options that you are welcome to use as templates. We raise our hands in thanks for your respect and support.
“We acknowledge that [insert the name of your organization] operates on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation). We thank the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm who continue to live on these lands and care for them, along with the waters and all that is above and below.”
“We acknowledge that [insert name of gathering, event or ceremony] is taking place on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation). We thank the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm who continue to live on these lands and care for them, along with the waters and all that is above and below.”
Traditional: lands traditionally used and/or occupied by the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm and that are deeply connected to our unique Indigenous identity and culture.
Ancestral: land that is handed down from generation to generation, that carries the spirits of our ancestors, and to which we have an obligation to steward and care for “the same as of old” (Chief Coquitlam William, 1953).
Unceded: land that was not turned over to the Crown (government) by a treaty or other agreement and to which kʷikʷəƛ̓əm title and rights remain unextinguished.