CURRICULUM


matter how diverse Indigenous Peoples are, there are shared perspectives about land and connection to it. The land is alive and has conscience and therefore she and her incalculable multitude of living inhabitants cannot conceivably be ‘owned’. There is a belief in kinship to the


“THERE HAS BEEN DEBATE ABOUT AUTHENTICITY OF LAND ACKNOWLEDGE- MENTS. IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE REFLECTIVE OF WHY YOU DO ONE. MAKING A TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT COMES FROM THE HEART IS A GOOD START AND THROUGH YOUR ACTIONS OF LEARNING AND INCLUSIVE INSTRUC- TIONAL PRACTICES, IS A GOOD PRACTICE IN DEM- ONSTRATING YOUR COM- MITMENT TO THE LAND, RESPECT FOR THE INDIG- ENOUS PEOPLES AND TO CONTINUE YOUR RECON- CILIATION JOURNEY.”


customary lands that Indigenous Peoples share globally. Indigenous Peoples are supported by this kinship with the land as the Earth is viewed as the first mother. For Indigenous Peoples, the bond between themselves and the land is unbreakable; it is tied to their culture and language. In the Indigenous worldview of land it includes the respect and sharing of resources, as it is it provides everything needed to survive for both humans and our non-human relations. In this sense, land is sacred and must be respected and cared for by all. For Indigenous Peoples, the land is not sepa- rate from all life that resides upon it. This connection to land is also a part of other non-Indigenous beliefs and values. Land acknowledgements are a critical first step to placing this essential kinship once again at the forefront of our collective priorities. For the Haudenosaunee, recognition


of the land and the natural world is part of their daily routine, and this is acknowl- edged through the Ohén:ton Karihwa- téhkhwen (The Opening Address). It is also sometimes called The Thanksgiving Address and “it teaches mutual respect and responsibility to understand that what is done to one part of the Web of Life, we do to ourselves.” Everything in the natural world is thanked, beginning with our mother; the earth (Yethinihsténha tsi Ohwentsy`a:te) and everything on the earth and above the earth. There has been debate about authen-


ticity of land acknowledgements. It is important to be reflective of why you do one. Making a territorial acknowledgement that comes from the heart is a good start and through your actions of learning and inclusive instructional practices, is a good practice in demonstrating your commit- ment to the land, respect for the Indig- enous Peoples and to continue your recon- ciliation journey. The land sustains all life and everyone must recognize the values of the Indigenous Peoples who respected and cared for this land long before the arrival of Europeans. Borders and boundaries can be opened up, at least conceptually, and we can be more inclusive by connecting with others and welcoming them into our


42 ETFO VOICE | WINTER 2020


respective communities. In your journey, learning about or creating relationships with Indigenous Peoples in your area provides an opportunity to appreciate the larger community that you are a part of.


ACTIVITY 1: Relationship with the Land


To reflect on and acknowledge our rela- tionship with the land.


Instructions:


1. Find a variety of photos of landscapes or videos to share with students. Alternatively, you can invite students to share photos of landscapes or places that are important to them or provide time to draw a landscape of some place special to them.


2. Use the following prompts to generate discussion:


• In what ways do you use the land? Think of the many ways the land provides for you daily (from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep).


• How does it make you feel? What does it do for your mind, body or spirit?


• How do you show appreciation for the land?


ACTIVITY 2: Views on Land Acknowledgements


To generate classroom discussions on differing perspectives on land acknowl- edgements.


Instructions:


1. Use the following background articles to create a discussion on why going beyond a land acknowledgement is important.


• Are Indigenous land acknowledgements a step forward or an empty gesture?


• What are land acknowledgements and why do they matter?


• Here’s why land acknowledgements are both meaningless and patronizing.


• ‘I regret it’: Hayden King on writing Ryerson University’s territorial acknowl- edgement.


• What is the significance of acknowledg- ing the Indigenous land we stand on?


• Reconciliation more than land acknowl- edgements Indigenous groups say.


• Canada’s impossible acknowledgement.


• Questioning the usefulness of land ac- knowledgements.


• Indigenous land acknowledgements alone won’t advance reconciliation.


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