What is a land acknowledgement and why do we use them?

A land acknowledgement is an act of reconciliation that calls attention to Indigenous land rights, the history of the land we operate on, and the presence of Indigenous people and the sacred relationship they have with the land. This small act brings the historic and current impacts of colonialism within present-day Alberta to the forefront for attendees, organizers, and members. The act of delivering a land acknowledgement seeks to encourage us to reflect on how we can better serve our members, be in relationship with our local communities, and care for the land we live, work, and play on.

When should we do a land acknowledgement?

Land acknowledgements should be delivered at the beginning of an event, meeting, or activity, typically by the host or organizer. We encourage athletes to deliver land acknowledgements, too, if appropriate. Special Olympics requests that land acknowledgements be used in all Affiliates across our province.

Do I have to use this land acknowledgement?

No, you don’t have to use this acknowledgement. This land acknowledgement is a starting block and can be used in any community across the province. However, we encourage communities to draft local, personal land acknowledgements that are specific to the region you operate in, and put them in to practice.

Call to Action #87 - We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, sports halls of fame, and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes in history.

Call to Action #88 - We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games, including funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation and travel.

Call to Action #89 - We call upon the federal government to amend the Physical Activity and Sport Act to support reconciliation by ensuring that policies to promote physical activity as a fundamental element of health and well-being, reduce barriers to sports participation, increase the pursuit of excellence in sport, and build capacity in the Canadian sport system, are inclusive of Aboriginal peoples.

Call to Action #90 - We call upon the federal government to ensure that national sports policies, programs, and initiatives are inclusive of Aboriginal peoples, including, but not limited to, establishing:

1. In collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, stable funding for, and access to, community sports programs that reflect the diverse cultures and traditional sporting activities of Aboriginal peoples.

2. An elite athlete development program for Aboriginal athletes.

3. Programs for coaches, trainers, and sports officials that are culturally relevant for Aboriginal peoples.

4. Anti-racism awareness and training programs.

Call to Action #91 - We call upon the officials and host countries of international sporting events such as the Olympics, Pan Am, and Commonwealth games to ensure that Indigenous peoples' territorial protocols are respected, and local Indigenous communities are engaged in all aspects of planning and participating in such events.