Recognizing the land is a gesture of honoring the Indigenous communities who have historically resided on the territory we currently inhabit and conduct our activities on. It’s particularly crucial when utilizing digital platforms such as Zoom for communication. Below are guidelines on how to perform a land acknowledgment during a Zoom meeting:
Step 1: Research the Indigenous people of your area
Before you can do a land acknowledgement, you need to know which Indigenous people have lived on the land where you are now. You can start by researching the history of your area and finding out which Indigenous nations or tribes have lived there in the past. This will help you to be more specific in your land acknowledgement.
Step 2: Write your land acknowledgement
Once you know which Indigenous people have lived on the land where you are now, you can start writing your land acknowledgement. Here’s an example of what it might look like:
“I would like to acknowledge that we are meeting today on the traditional lands of the [insert name of Indigenous nation or tribe]. We recognize and respect their continued connection to this land, and we thank them for allowing us to use it.”
Step 3: Practice your land acknowledgement
Before you do your land acknowledgement on Zoom, it’s a good idea to practice it first. This will help you to feel more comfortable and confident when you do it for real. You can practice by saying your land acknowledgement out loud or writing it down and reading it over.
Step 4: Do your land acknowledgement on Zoom
When you’re ready to do your land acknowledgement on Zoom, make sure that everyone can hear you clearly. You might want to use a microphone or speak up if you’re not sure. Once you have everyone’s attention, say your land acknowledgement and thank the Indigenous people for allowing you to use their land.
Step 5: Continue to learn about Indigenous history and culture
Doing a land acknowledgement is just one small step towards showing respect for Indigenous people. It’s important to continue learning about Indigenous history and culture, and to work towards reconciliation with Indigenous communities. You can start by reading books, watching documentaries, or attending events that celebrate Indigenous culture.
Conclusion
Doing a land acknowledgement on Zoom is a simple way to show respect for the Indigenous people who have lived on the land where we now live and work. By following these steps, you can create a meaningful land acknowledgement that honors Indigenous history and culture.
