Land Acknowledgement

It is up to each club whether, how, and how often they acknowledge the Indigenous land on which they meet. Land acknowledgements should be regarded as a sign of respect, rather than a political statement, and do not contravene the Standard Constitution for PROBUS Clubs. They can be seen as supporting Goal 4 of the PROBUS Canada Strategic Plan: Create a climate of change recognizing cultural diversity, demographics and technological advancements.

Providing a land acknowledgment at the beginning of meetings serves several key purposes:

1. Promotes reflection and awareness: It offers a moment to recognize both the history and the ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples, inviting participants to consider their own relationship to the land and its history.
2. Honours Indigenous presence and resilience: The practice acknowledges the original and current stewards of the land—Indigenous communities whose ties span thousands of years.
3. Supports reconciliation: As called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and subsequent reports, such as the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, land acknowledgments are seen as an important, although initial, step in advancing reconciliation and building positive relationships.

Best practices:

• Ensure your land acknowledgment is specific to the location and reflects an ongoing commitment, not just a rote statement.
• Personalize and educate: Take time to learn about the specific nations, treaties, and Indigenous communities connected to your area, and reflect this in your acknowledgment to make it meaningful and respectful, rather than a token gesture.
• Continuously seek to learn and engage beyond the acknowledgment itself, possibly through cultural awareness training or consultation with local Indigenous groups.

While not all Indigenous people agree on the format or the impact of land acknowledgments—especially if done superficially—doing them thoughtfully and consistently can help foster greater respect, awareness, and positive relationships with Indigenous peoples.

In summary, it is appropriate and encouraged to include a land acknowledgment in our monthly meetings, provided it is done respectfully, with genuine intent, and supported by ongoing engagement and learning.