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The Salvation Army Armée du Salut

The Salvation ArmyArmée du Salut

Land Acknowledgment

    The Salvation Army in the Canada and Bermuda Territory has committed to a journey of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Along this journey, a land acknowledgment can be a tangible way to demonstrate a professional commitment to truth and reconciliation by recognizing the deep relationship between lands and peoples.

    Listening to the Land

    Before you begin writing your land acknowledgment, take a few moments to connect with the land around you. Go for a walk in your neighbourhood and observe creation—is there a nature trail, a shoreline, a grassy field or another place where you can experience the beauty of creation? Pay attention to the ways the land is thriving and supporting life. Consider bringing a journal or notebook with you to record your observations and any insights that emerge during your walk as you reflect on the following questions: 

    What do you notice first about this place?

    What plants, animals, birds, insects or natural features are present here?

    What sounds, smells or textures do you experience as you move through this space?

    How has the land changed over time and what signs of those changes can you see?

    What responsibilities do you have to care for the land and waters around you?

    What stories, histories or relationships are connected to this place?

    How do you personally benefit from the land where you live, work, study or gather?

    What does it mean to acknowledge the land in a meaningful way rather than as a routine statement?

    Writing a Land Acknowledgment

    Land acknowledgments are rooted in the traditional Indigenous teachings of recognizing and honouring the peoples, lands, waters and relationships that have sustained communities since time immemorial.

    Traditionally, acknowledgments were offered to express gratitude and respect when visiting the territory of another nation or community. Because Indigenous Peoples have diverse cultures, languages, histories and protocols, there is no single or universal way to offer a land acknowledgment. Meaningful acknowledgments are grounded in learning about the land, its original stewards and our ongoing responsibilities to one another and to creation.

    As you prepare to write your own land acknowledgment, draw on the observation and reflections from your time spent on the land. Consider what you saw, heard and felt and reflect on how these experiences have deepened your understanding of your relationship with the land. Let these insights guide your words as you express gratitude, respect and a commitment to ongoing learning and reconciliation.Use the questions below to guide your reflection and begin drafting your acknowledgment: 

    Determine who to acknowledge 

    • What is the traditional name of the territory where you are located? If applicable, what Indigenous language names are used for this place, and is the land covered by a treaty or other agreement?
    • Which Indigenous Nation(s) have traditionally cared for and lived on this land?
    • What have you learned about the history of this place? 

    Use this native-land.ca tool to help answer these questions.

    Reflect on your experience of the land  

    • What did you notice during your walk or time spent outdoors?
    • What do you appreciate about this place? 

    Consider your relationship to the land and peoples 

    • How does this land support your life, work, learning or community?
    • What responsibilities do you have to care for the land and waters around you?
    • How can you show respect to the Indigenous Peoples connected to this place?
    • What personal commitments are you willing to make toward reconciliation in your daily life, learning or work?
    • What message or call to action would you like to share with others to encourage ongoing reconciliation and the building of respectful, meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and the land?

    Drafting your statement 

    There is no single way to write a land acknowledgment. Use the prompts below to help you draft a statement that reflects your relationship to the land, the Indigenous Peoples connected to it and your commitment to reconciliation.


    I acknowledge that I am living in , the traditional territory of .

    I appreciate that the original custodians of these lands have taken care of this place so that I might enjoy .

    Through my time of reflection, I noticed .

    I acknowledge the painful history of colonialism, including and I commit to .

    We are grateful for the gifts of the land and I hope we .


    Once you have filled in your responses, download your land acknowledgment and continue refining it in your own words.

    Final Reflection 

    Before finalizing your land acknowledgment, consider if it includes:





    Use your responses to these questions to write your final land acknowledgment in your own words.

    Sample Land Acknowledgments 

    Share your Land Acknowledgment   


    Have you completed your land acknowledgment? We invite you to share your reflections with our online community. Take a screenshot of your land acknowledgment, share a photo from your walk or place of reflection, or write a post about what you learned through this experience.

    Together, we can continue the conversation, deepen our understanding and learn from one another's journeys.

       

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