Transformative Territory Acknowledgements

Territory Acknowledgements have become a common practice across Canada in the era of Truth and Reconciliation. While many organizations have embraced this important protocol, professionals across health, education, social services, government, non-profit, and corporate sectors are now asking deeper questions about purpose, etiquette, accountability, and impact.

This workshop moves beyond scripted acknowledgements and explores how Territory Acknowledgements can become more culturally safe, relational, and meaningful in professional practice. Participants will deepen their understanding of the distinction between cultural protocol and personal cultural learning, while also examining common pitfalls such as performative acknowledgements, over-personalization, and institutional inconsistency.

Grounded in Indigenous Cultural Safety, Coast Salish teachings, and practical workplace application, this session invites participants into reflection, dialogue, and action-oriented learning that supports respectful engagement with Indigenous Peoples, Territories, Rights, and relationships.

This training is designed for professionals, teams, and organizations seeking to strengthen their understanding and practice of Territory

Key learning outcomes:

• Explore the history, purpose, and evolving role of Territory Acknowledgements in Canada

• Understand the difference between protocol, recognition, and personal cultural learning

• Identify common challenges and misconceptions surrounding acknowledgements in professional settings

• Learn culturally safer practices for offering acknowledgements with humility, clarity, and respect

• Reflect on how organizations can move beyond performative practices toward meaningful reconciliation and relationship-building

• Consider practical tools for meetings, conferences, classrooms, public events, and workplace settings