Beyond Land Acknowledgements: How Organizations Can Take Real Steps Toward Reconciliation
Co-authored by Sagmaw Jasen Benwah and Tanya Tourangeau
Land acknowledgements have become more common in meetings, online, events, and organizational statements. While they can be a meaningful starting point, true Reconciliation requires sustained and tangible actions. Here, we address common misconceptions about Reconciliation and offer practical strategies for nonprofits, businesses, and governments to embed Reconciliation meaningfully in their work.
1. Common Misconceptions About Reconciliation
Misconception 1: Land acknowledgements are enough.
Reality: These acknowledgements should be a starting point—not a standalone action. Without follow-up, they risk becoming performative.
Misconception 2: Reconciliation is only about historical wrongs.
Reality: Reconciliation addresses both past and present. Indigenous communities continue to face systemic barriers today, and action must respond to current realities.Misconception 3: Reconciliation is only a government responsibility.
Reality: While governments play a key role, every sector—nonprofits, businesses, and municipalities—has a part to play
2. What Meaningful Action Looks Like
A. For Nonprofits
- Engage Indigenous communities as partners, not beneficiaries.
- Audit policies through an Indigenous lens.
- Invest in Indigenous leadership.
B. For Businesses
- Support Indigenous-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Educate your team with ongoing cultural sensitivity training.
- Fund initiatives led by Indigenous communities, shifting from charity-based models to equitable partnerships.
C. For Governments
- Develop long-term Reconciliation plans with Indigenous communities.
- Rename spaces to reclaim Indigenous names and languages.
- Protect Indigenous land rights and integrate Indigenous knowledge into environmental stewardship
3. Moving From Statement to Commitment
- Ask: Who benefits from current systems—and who is left out?
- Act: What resources can we shift to support Indigenous self-determination?
- Assess: How are we measuring progress toward meaningful
4. Indigenous Economic Momentum: The Cost of Standing Still
Indigenous economic growth isn’t just emerging; it’s surging. Statistics Canada’s latest Indigenous Peoples Economic Account (IPEA) report reveals Indigenous communities generated $60.2 billion in Gross Domestic Income in 2022—a remarkable 74.7% growth since 2012. Indigenous-owned businesses are expanding at more than double the national rate, rapidly creating new jobs and economic opportunities.
Yet despite this momentum, some organizations hesitate to move beyond symbolic actions. Inaction carries significant economic, reputational, and social risks. Organizations that fail to engage meaningfully with Indigenous communities risk missing out on thriving economic partnerships and sustainable growth opportunities. The cost of standing still—economically and socially—is simply too high.
5. Two-Eyed Seeing: A Holistic Approach to Land Acknowledgements and Reconciliation
As Chief Benwah emphasizes, land acknowledgments alone are insufficient without meaningful action. One powerful framework for deepening Reconciliation actions is the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing. Two-Eyed Seeing invites organizations to integrate Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, creating holistic solutions built from mutual understanding.
Applied practically, Two-Eyed Seeing means genuinely engaging Indigenous Elders and leaders when crafting land acknowledgments, organizational strategies, and community partnerships. This approach ensures authenticity and depth, promoting ongoing learning rather than a checklist approach. By adopting Two-Eyed Seeing, organizations move toward genuine Reconciliation, rooted in shared respect, balance, and partnership.
6. From Intentions to Impact: Accountability Matters
Chief Benwah highlights that Reconciliation requires sustained, tangible actions. To achieve real impact, organizations need clear accountability. Collaborative goal-setting with Indigenous communities, transparent progress reporting, and practical measures—such as employment rates, procurement targets, and relationship-building—ensure that intentions become meaningful outcomes. Accountability transforms Reconciliation from symbolic gestures into lasting change.
Closing
It has been an honour to collaborate with Chief Jasen Benwah on this piece, weaving together our shared insights on moving beyond land acknowledgements toward genuine reconciliation. The Chief’s thoughtful reflections remind us of the importance of sincere commitments, action-oriented partnerships, and respectful engagement. Together, we invite you to deepen your reconciliation journey with courage, humility, and determination, moving forward in genuine respect and meaningful action.
Mahsi cho, Tanya Tourangeau
Authors
Chief Jasen Benwah, of Penwaaq L’nu’k, has served as Chief since 2004 and previously served three terms on the Qalipu First Nation Band Council, representing members of the Port au Port Ward. With a strong commitment to preserving Mi’kmaq language, culture, and heritage, Chief Jasen’s main focus is developing the local band and he is an advocate for reconciliation and cultural harmony. Chief Jasen is a Board Director at The REACH Association.
Get in touch with Chief Jasen at LinkedIn
Tanya Tourangeau is a Dene Reconciliation Strategist and the founder of Tanya T Consulting. With over 20 years of experience in Indigenous engagement, governance, and economic development, she brings a Two-Eyed Seeing approach to advancing Reconciliation across sectors. Tanya’s work bridges municipal, corporate, and community partnerships to honour Indigenous rights, voices, and leadership