Why can land acknowledgments be harmful?
A harmful land acknowledgement either focuses too much on the person giving it, is short and performative, and/or is not connected to action.
The main takeaway is that acknowledgments without action are meaningless. Giving land acknowledgments is only the beginning of a larger conversation that needs to be had about how we can create safer spaces that allow for, accept, and embrace various ways of knowing and being.
To create more meaningful and safe spaces, you can:
- Engage with students about what meaningful action looks like to them and about what would help them to feel safe in the space that you are creating.
- Consult community members, Indigenous Peoples (when appropriate), and resources to learn what meaningful action looks like.
- Indicate action (e.g. “This is informing the design of this class in xyz way”) and follow through with action.
- Continue the conversation throughout the semester.
- Carry the conversation outside of the classroom setting, for example, at home or with friends and colleagues.
- Continue to evaluate your own privilege in your day-to-day life and think about the ways in which you may subconsciously internalize and benefit from colonial views and systemic racism.
