Every time we drive through my dad’s old neighborhood he points out all the things that have changed since he was a boy. “There used to be an apple orchard where that gas station is.” “My best friend lived there.” “This whole block was a cherry field where we picked cherries for 50 cents a box.” A lot has changed in just 40 years. I can only imagine going back much further in time and seeing what the land was like before even the settlers set foot on it.
Image source: Popular Mechanics
A Map Of Native American Tribal Lands
As it turns out, I can do more than just imagine it. Native Land launched an interactive map that allows you to see how the nation in the past was divided into Native American territories. The creator, Victor Temprano, came up with the idea in 2015 while working on a series of pipeline projects. He became curious about whose territories all this work was happening on and decided to do a little research. With the support of various experts and organizations, the map of Native American tribal lands quickly became a reality. Today Native Land is a not-for-profit organization run by an Indigenous Board of Directors and Advisory Council. (1, 2)
But Native Land’s interactive map includes indigenous territories beyond the United States and Canada. There are Indigenous territory maps for Mexico, Central and South America, Australia, and New Zealand. For any of these areas, you can simply type in your address to find what indigenous territory you live on. You can also search the traditional language and treaties associated with each territory. (3)
How To Perform A Territory Acknowledgement
But there’s more to a map of Native American tribal lands than simply appeasing curiosity. Becoming aware of the land’s indigenous past allows you to connect to the indigenous people who are still a part of your community. It’s a great way to recognize that long before your community was built, other people called this land their home. (4)
One way to take a step toward reconciliation between settlers and indigenous people is to perform a public territory acknowledgment. This can be done at any public event such as a lecture, ceremony, or meeting. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Find The Territory
Use Native Land’s map of Native American tribal lands to find what territory (or territories) your event takes place on.
2. Practice The Pronunciation
Learn the proper pronunciation of the name by respectfully asking someone from that nation or checking the nation’s website.
3. Perform The Territory Acknowledgement
The exact words of the Acknowledgement are up to you, but the general format should go something like this. “I want to acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of [nation names]”. You may also want to mention the name of the local treaty or learn a few words in the language. (5)
Performing a territory acknowledgment is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about the indigenous history of the land.
Appreciation For Our Indigenous Past
Taking a look at the world we live in today, it’s hard to believe that things were ever any different. But every place has its past. Every acre has its indigenous roots. Every city has its pre-colonial life. And while there is still a lot of debate about the ethics of colonialism, it’s important to remember that the indigenous tribes who once roamed the nation are still present. And regardless of who lives on the land today, these tribes are a huge part of the nation’s history. Take just a moment to find the territory you live on, and find an appreciation for its indigenous past.
