Words (Core Vocabulary)
- Indigenous Peoples (umbrella term): First Nations, Inuit, Métis
- Nation / Peoples / community / territory
- unceded (land not surrendered by treaty; common in parts of BC)
- Treaty territory (e.g., Treaty areas on the Prairies)
- Elders / Knowledge Keepers
- language revitalization / proper orthography (accents, diacritics)
- reconciliation / relationship / respect
Principles (Keep it meaningful)
- Be specific & accurate. Confirm the local Nation(s) and spellings (including diacritics) before you speak or publish.
- Keep it relevant. Link the acknowledgement to why you’re gathered and actions your group is taking.
- Use current terms. Prefer Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, Métis; avoid outdated or generic phrases.
- Center respect, not performance. Avoid long lists you haven’t verified.
When unsure, consult local Nation websites, Indigenous governance offices, or your municipality’s guidance.
Phrases (Thoughtful templates—customize carefully)
- Live/Work context:
“We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the [Nation(s)]. We are grateful for their stewardship of these lands and waters.” - Event context:
“We acknowledge we are gathered on the [unceded/Treaty X] territory of the [Nation(s)]. Today we commit to [action: learning, partnerships, policy changes, donations].” - Email/footers (keep short):
“Based in the territory of [Nation(s)]. Respect to Elders past and present.”
Respectful Use of Indigenous Place Names
- Use both names when helpful: “Vancouver (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, səl̓ilwətaɁɬ territories).”
- Keep diacritics (’ 7 ə x̱ etc.) when provided by the Nation.
- Say the Nation name as they do. If presenting, practice pronunciation.
Contextual Examples (Everyday)
- Meeting open: Before we start, we acknowledge we’re on the traditional territory of [Nation] and we’re supporting [local initiative].
- Program page: Territory acknowledgement with links to local Nations and our commitments.
- Email line: Working from the territory of [Nation(s)].
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
- acknowledge the territory
- consult Nation resources
- respect Elders and Knowledge Keepers
- use proper orthography
- connect words to actions
- pronounce names carefully
Canadian Cultural Context
- Many cities publish local-territory guidance; Nations’ own sites are authoritative for names and spelling.
- In parts of Canada, lands are unceded; elsewhere, Treaty territories apply—don’t guess.
- A short, sincere acknowledgement with follow-through is better than a long, generic one.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Short opener: “We acknowledge the [Nation(s)] who have cared for this land. We’re learning and committing to [action].”
- Ask for guidance: “Could you advise on the correct Nation names and spellings for this area?”
- Practice name: “Can you help me pronounce [Nation/Place] correctly?”