Understanding Canada's Opening Line: 'Land Acknowledgement' Before Meetings

At various public events in Canada—political and business meetings, cultural performances, even ordinary corporate gatherings—the speaker often begins with a statement like this: 'Before we begin, we would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional, unceded territory of the [name of Indigenous nation].'

Many foreigners hearing this for the first time in Canada are puzzled: 'What strange formality is this?' 'Is it a greeting to the local powers?'

This ritual, now widespread across Canadian society, is called a 'Land Acknowledgement.'

For newcomers or tourists, it is undoubtedly a curious cultural phenomenon. Why would a modern, developed Western nation collectively bow its head to its past history in the very first minute of every public event?

Entering the 21st century, Canada began to reflect on its dark history of oppressing Indigenous peoples. The federal government-led Truth and Reconciliation Commission, after years of investigation, released a report in 2015. It acknowledged that the Canadian government had perpetrated cultural genocide against Indigenous peoples, leading to the deaths of thousands of Indigenous children in residential schools. To redress these historical wrongs, the report put forward 94 Calls to Action.

The 'Land Acknowledgement' is a concrete practice that rapidly spread from universities and government institutions to the broader public against this backdrop.

In these acknowledgements, one frequently hears a term with deep legal and historical significance: 'unceded territory.' This is a key to understanding the relationship between the Canadian government and Indigenous peoples.

In British Columbia, for example, when European colonizers and settlers arrived, most areas had no treaties or agreements signed with local Indigenous nations regarding land transfer. In other words, under a strict historical and legal definition, the establishment of cities was built on occupation 'without the consent of the original owners.'

A Land Acknowledgement is not an 'apology,' but a public historical recognition: 'We are the newcomers; you are the original stewards of this land, and your history deserves to be valued.'

Today, Land Acknowledgements appear in a wide variety of formal and informal settings. Many people debate their significance: are they mere lip service, or are they sincere? Some even worry about the security of their own property rights.

Member of the Legislative Assembly Aaron Gunn criticized the practice, saying it makes people feel they live on 'stolen land,' but added, 'Canada is a country that belongs to all Canadians.'

Several Indigenous chiefs responded to Gunn, saying, 'Relax, no one is trying to take away private land rights.'

MLA Wade Grant, who has both Musqueam and Chinese heritage, said the meaning of a Land Acknowledgement depends on how it is executed. If it is just a 'disclaimer before a meeting' without further thought, it is merely superficial. But if it can evolve and serve as a catalyst for different ethnic groups in Canada to share their stories and emotions, then this 'official ritual' can become a warm cultural understanding.

Goo Cheng-yi, Executive Director of the Asian Canadian Activities Association, annually hosts the 'Taiwan Culture Festival' (renamed 'Taiwan Festival' last year), a platform for exchange between Taiwanese, Indigenous, and other ethnic groups. He said, 'Immigrants should learn more about Canada's colonial history; then they won't feel like they are on the margins or a minority.' He believes Canada's Land Acknowledgement has begun to attract attention and imitation from other countries, and seeing more Indigenous peoples worldwide hold their heads high is a very precious outcome.

Indigenous artist Morgan Asoyuf views the Land Acknowledgement ritual like her Indigenous designs or ornaments—a window that allows people to peek into the beautiful culture and life of Indigenous peoples.

Yesterday, attending a school assembly for her child, the author heard this familiar opening again. Young, clear voices recited the names of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations, thanking them for the land's nourishment. This sense of ritual has value, the author reflects. It shows a nation bearing the weight of its history, trying to teach the next generation respect and honesty, and moving forward together with the original stewards of the land. (Editor: Chen Huiping) 1150603