11/27/2025
On the eve of Thanksgiving, it is important to pause and reflect on the land where we live, gather, and celebrate. Long before colonization, these lands were cared for, tended, and honored by Indigenous peoples—the original stewards. Recognizing their presence, knowledge, and resilience is one of the most important rituals we can observe during this holiday.
What is a land acknowledgement?
A land acknowledgement is a statement that recognizes the Indigenous peoples who have historically cared for the land where we live and gather. It honors their enduring relationship to the land and their ongoing presence in our communities. This practice encourages humility, respect, and awareness, connecting gratitude not only to what we receive, but also to responsibility and care for the world around us.
How to practice it:
Tonight, take a moment to research the Indigenous peoples whose lands you live on. A helpful tool is https://native-land.ca, which identifies territories, treaties, and languages of the original stewards.
You might then offer a statement aloud at your table, or hold it in quiet reflection. For example: “We acknowledge that we are gathering on the traditional territory of the [name of the Indigenous nation(s)], and honor their enduring relationship with this land. We give thanks for the care they have shown for this place and commit to approaching our time here with respect and presence.”
Observing this ritual is not only an act of respect—it centers Thanksgiving in truth, awareness, and gratitude that extends beyond ourselves. It grounds the holiday in justice, presence, and connection to the land and its original stewards.
