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NATIVE LANDS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

WHAT IS A LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT?

Land acknowledgements are a formal way to recognize and respect the traditional territories and Indigenous Peoples as stewards of the land. Often, land acknowledgements are brief statements. They may also exist as part of more in-depth lessons, particularly with some of Outward Bound’s longer format courses. Some may mention the name of a local treaty. Some may include words from the native language of the First Nations connected with a territory.

WHY ARE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IMPORTANT TO OUTWARD BOUND?

At Outward Bound, outdoor spaces are integral to many of our experiential courses. We take thousands of students, each year, to some of the most remote and beautiful places in the United States and beyond. When we share, protect and learn from a space, it’s important to understand and acknowledge that place’s past, present and future and to seek to understand our place within that history. To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation we give to the Indigenous Peoples who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial.

DO INSTRUCTORS TEACH OR ACKNOWLEDGE INDIGENOUS LANDS ON COURSES?

Acknowledgement and teachings of Indigenous presence vary across Outward Bound courses. It is something we are learning more about and expanding to include in our courses. Each of our regional locations across the United States has individual, developing relationships with First Nations and are at different levels in their learning and teaching. Please talk with your Regional Course Advisor to learn more about the curriculum for specific courses. 

CREDITS & RESOURCES: 

Native Governance Center

Native Land Indigenous Nations Map

 

 

 

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