Acknowledgement of Traditional Aboriginal Territory in
British Columbia
Introduction
Recognizing Aboriginal people as
traditional stewards of the land is a critical part of demonstrating respect
for the Indigenous peoples of British Columbia. An acknowledgement should be
made at the beginning of events, conferences, and workshops held in B.C.,
particularly those pertaining to community and diversity and inclusion-related
events.
There are a variety of ways to
acknowledge Aboriginal traditional stewards:
•
A
formal Welcome to the (shared) traditional territory by an elder. If possible,
invite an Aboriginal elder to share a welcome, song and/or prayer. An
honourarium and/or a gift is customarily offered in this case.
•
An
acknowledgment of (shared) traditional territory by the host
In the context of Aboriginal
cultures, “traditional territory” refers to a specific place within British
Columbia and not B.C. itself. Over 30 Aboriginal language groups are
represented across B.C.. Traditional territory refers to “this” place, the
traditional language group of the area where the event is held. The welcome
follows a traditional protocol for Aboriginal nations where people entering
another’s traditional territory (language area) would seek permission from the
traditional stewards and they would be welcomed to the area through an opening
ceremony. Today, non-Aboriginal populations who are not originally from B.C.
are also welcomed to the traditional territory for the purpose of the events,
and as a part of a continuing protocol, which is maintained and observed
through Aboriginal communities.
Suggested Script
“Before going further, I wish to
acknowledge the ancestral, traditional and unceded Aboriginal territories of
the _____ ([ie. Dakelh]) Peoples, and in particular, the
_______________________________ (name of First Nations, [ie. Lheidli T’enneh])
on whose territory we work, live and play / on whose territory we stand.”
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