Reflecting on Indigenous Land Acknowledgements – Dec. 12, 2024

Session Description

In- person session

Many Canadian institutions, including the University of Toronto, do land acknowledgements before meetings, before convocations and at seminars and conferences, but why do we do them? What is their purpose, and are they an effective tool of reconciliation and decolonization? The fear is that land acknowledgements have become largely performative and rote, stripping them of their potential to bring about change. These are some of the questions and topics that will be explored in this two-hour session: Reflecting on Indigenous Land Acknowledgements.

Please be aware that smudging, which involves the burning of sacred herbs such as sage or sweetgrass, may be present during our workshops. We acknowledge that some participants may have smoke allergies or sensitivities to scent. If you are affected by such conditions, please let us know in advance so that we can accommodate your needs accordingly. We are committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all participants.

Facilitator: John Croutch/Andrea Johns