Land Acknowledgement Initiative
The Inter-Tribal Council of AT&T Employee’s (ICAE) is proposing that a Land Acknowledgement be implemented initially before ERG and EN employee events that are sponsored by D&I. Our hope is to share our efforts with receptive business units as well. To further this reconciliation effort throughout AT&T, we hope to have this initiative adopted at the corporate level.
Conducting a Land Acknowledgement is a traditional custom that dates back centuries in many Native American nations and communities. Today, land acknowledgments are used by Native and non-Native People alike to recognize Indigenous Peoples* who are the original inhabitants and stewards of the lands on which we now live and work each day.
“Let us pause for a moment to acknowledge the traditional stewards of the lands that we now reside on, and especially our ancestors, descendants, and all Indigenous people who live now and have ever lived in our regions of Turtle Island.”
*pause*
– Thank you
What is a Land Acknowledgement?
A land acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. The term “Turtle Island” is used across North, Central, and parts of South America, as well as Hawaii & New Zealand. Another variation, “Turtle world” is used in India and China.
Why do a Land Acknowledgement?
- It is the beginning of repairing relationships and reconciliation.
- Making a land acknowledgment should be motivated by genuine respect and support for Native Peoples. Speaking and hearing words of recognition is an important step in creating collaborative,
accountable, continuous, and respectful relationships with Indigenous nations and communities.
*Indigenous peoples, also referred to as Native Americans, First people, Aboriginal people, Native people, are culturally distinct ethnic groups.
**Turtle Island see below.
Request for Employee Group Leadership Support
The Inter-Tribal Council of AT&T Employee’s would like to ask all Employee Group Leaders support for this initiative that we feel is long over-due and one that can potentially begin a reconciliation process for the benefit of all whose cultures and heritage are tied to the land we live and work each day. The history of the forceful removal of Native Americans and Indigenous from their homelands have resonating impact still today.
What is Turtle Island?
Statement: Repeat as written or customize to name the indigenous people* of your location by entering your zip code to identify the Native Stewards.
“Let us pause for a moment to acknowledge the traditional stewards of the lands that we now reside on, and especially our ancestors, descendants, and all Indigenous people who live now and have ever lived in our regions of Turtle Island.
*pause*
Thank you”
- Indigenous peoples, also referred to as Native Americans, First people, Aboriginal people, Native people, are culturally distinct ethnic groups.
- First Nations people, a Canadian government term for their native community
Land Acknowledgement Questions
When is it appropriate to do a Land Acknowledgement?
- Any time you are leading a meeting, there is an opportunity.
- Any time that you are speaking inside or outside of work, there is an opportunity.
Who can do a Land Acknowledgement?
- Anyone can give a land acknowledgement; in fact, it is more powerful when given by a non native person. We cannot emphasize enough that it be done respectfully.
- If you ask an indigenous person or community to give a land acknowledgement, please consider a donation to their community.
How to do a Land Acknowledgement?
- Virtual Meetings/Events : Open your event with the proposed statement (slide 3) or customize to
recognize the specific Tribes in your location.