Thanks for the shoutout but, what’s next?
For some, Indigenous Peoples’ Day marks a date on the calendar where Indigenous people and allies can come together with a mutual cause. Indigenous Peoples’ Day may also mark a day for people to reflect upon the land they currently inhabit and the Indigenous communities that live there. This is the act of a land acknowledgment.
Land acknowledgments, typically a short statement created by organizations—such as Emerson College—who hold spaces on Indigenous lands, were popularized in recent years. Originally seen as a step in the right direction, land acknowledgments are now a terse subject in various Native and Indigenous communities.
Acknowledging that the land you’re inhabiting used to be populated by Indigenous people is important. However, used to is the operative phrase in this case. Indigenous people are still alive and well, and still inhabit the lands their ancestors did. Although the intentions were well meaning, land acknowledgments often have the effect of mythologizing Indigenous people, when in reality they are mobile and active, fighting for sovereignty and power.
This isn’t to say land acknowledgments don’t hold some validity. But, even if you create the most profound land acknowledgment, what does that do? Land acknowledgments are often performative, especially when not backed up with concrete actions. What does posting that one-off infographic on your Instagram story do, really? If you don’t have the work to back it up, your words can be meaningless at the end of the day.
So, what does it mean to “move past land acknowledgments?”
People must go past simply “acknowledging” Indigenous people, and should instead advocate for them. A conscious effort should be made towards educating yourself about what happens in your home communities before spreading awareness and taking action.
“Spreading awareness” has also become a performative phrase. However, it’s important to think about what spreading awareness actually entails. It means taking the time out of your day to first become aware. It means sharing information during relevant conversations, especially if falsehoods or belittlements are made about Indigenous and Native peoples.
Taking action does not necessarily equate to participating in protests, although those are important movements. It can also mean writing testimony and taking advantage of various educational opportunities offered in your community. Non-visible actions are also extremely important and can involve consciously thinking about how your decisions might impact the communities whose land you inhabit, correcting any negative steps made.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day allows people to build and form communities focused on not only the past, but the current lived experience of Indigenous people. It’s about building time and space for people to heal, whilst celebrating the joy these communities hold.
