The Love/Hate Dilemma of Alaska Native Land Acknowledgments: A Call for Authenticity

Introduction

As an Alaska Native, I've witnessed the rise of land acknowledgments across our state. These statements, meant to recognize Indigenous peoples as the original stewards of the land, evoke complex emotions in me. I both love and hate them. This post explores the nuances of Alaska Native land acknowledgments, their potential impact, and why their execution matters so much in our unique Alaskan context.

The "Love" Aspect: When Alaska Native Land Acknowledgments Work

When done well, land acknowledgments can be powerful, moving experiences that foster understanding and respect. They have the potential to:

• Educate audiences about the history and ongoing presence of Alaska Native peoples
• Create moments of reflection and connection
• Serve as a first step towards meaningful action and relationship-building

A Positive Example

One acknowledgment that stands out in my memory was delivered by an Inupiaq woman at a recent conference. She shared:

• The historical significance of her people in the region
• Highlighted their current resilience and resourcefulness
• Provided clear guidance on how her organization was giving back to the community

This approach demonstrated a deep understanding and genuine commitment that went beyond mere words.

The "Hate" Aspect: When Alaska Native Land Acknowledgments Fall Short

Unfortunately, for every meaningful land acknowledgment, I've encountered many more that fall short. These poor examples often:

• Feel rushed or perfunctory, as if checking a box
• Use generic language that could apply anywhere in Alaska
• Lack any real understanding of local Alaska Native communities
• Are not backed by meaningful action or engagement

The Tokenization Problem

A practice that often raises concerns is the tendency to rely only on Alaska Native individuals to deliver land acknowledgments, regardless of their connection to the event or organization. While well-intentioned, this approach can sometimes feel tokenistic and may unintentionally shift the responsibility away from event organizers and attendees. Ideally, land acknowledgments should be a collective effort of understanding and respect, encouraging everyone to engage meaningfully with this important practice.

The Danger of Performative Acknowledgments

To illustrate how out of touch some acknowledgments can be, consider the satirical land acknowledgment scene from the TV show "Reservation Dogs" (view clip). While this is a parody, it unfortunately isn't far from some real-life examples.

The Importance of Authenticity in Alaska Native Land Acknowledgments

The stark contrast between effective and ineffective land acknowledgments highlights a crucial element: authenticity. A truly meaningful acknowledgment requires:

1. Thorough research about local Alaska Native communities
2. Engagement with those communities whenever possible
3. A genuine commitment to ongoing learning and action
4. Delivery that conveys sincere respect and understanding

Without these elements, land acknowledgments risk becoming empty gestures that trivialize the very relationships they're meant to honor.

Guidance for Improving Alaska Native Land Acknowledgments

For those committed to creating meaningful land acknowledgments in Alaska, consider the following:

1. Do Your Homework

Research the specific Alaska Native peoples of your area. Understand their history, culture, and current presence.

2. Engage with Alaska Native Communities

Whenever possible, reach out to local Alaska Native groups for guidance and input.

3. Make It Specific

Avoid generic statements. Reference local landmarks, use proper names, and acknowledge current issues if appropriate.

4. Practice Proper Pronunciation

Take the time to learn how to correctly pronounce Alaska Native names and words.

5. Back Words with Action

Consider how your organization can support Alaska Native communities beyond the acknowledgment. Some concrete ways to engage include:

• Donating to local schools, Alaska Native non-profits or organizations
• Supporting community events, such as culture camps or language revitalization efforts
• Offering mentorship programs or resources to schools or Tribal offices
• Providing internship or job opportunities for Alaska Native youth
• Collaborating with Alaska Native artists or businesses

When Not to Do an Alaska Native Land Acknowledgment

Sometimes, it's better to forego a land acknowledgment altogether. Consider skipping it if:

• You haven't done proper research and don't have time to do so
• The acknowledgment would be rushed or treated as an afterthought
• Your organization isn't committed to backing the words with meaningful action

Remember, no acknowledgment is better than an insincere or ill-informed one.

Conclusion: The Future of Alaska Native Land Acknowledgments

My love/hate relationship with land acknowledgments stems from recognizing their immense potential while often seeing that potential squandered. As we continue to grapple with the complex history and ongoing realities of Alaska Native peoples' relationships to the land, it's crucial that we approach land acknowledgments with the care, respect, and sincerity they deserve.

Whether you love them or hate them – or both, like me – it's clear that Alaska Native land acknowledgments have become a part of our cultural discourse. People have different opinions about land acknowledgments in Alaska. Some strongly support them, others are critical, and some, like me, have mixed feelings. But regardless of how we feel about them, it's undeniable that these acknowledgments have become an important topic of discussion in our society.

Take Action

Are you involved in creating or delivering land acknowledgments in Alaska? We'd love to hear your experiences and insights. Reach out to Bloom Communications to learn more about how you can support Alaska Native communities in meaningful ways.