A land acknowledgment is a statement recognizing the Indigenous peoples who traditionally lived on and cared for the land where an event or meeting takes place. Many Canadian organizations, schools, and government bodies begin gatherings with land acknowledgments, naming the specific First Nations, Metis, or Inuit peoples connected to that territory. Land acknowledgments aim to honour Indigenous history, recognize ongoing connections to the land, and acknowledge past injustices including colonization. Critics note that acknowledgments alone are insufficient without meaningful action toward reconciliation. Effective acknowledgments are specific to place, reflect genuine understanding, and connect to broader reconciliation efforts.