• Start a conversation about land acknowledgements by asking questions such as, “What is a land acknowledgement?”, “Have you ever seen or heard them done before? If so, where and when?”, “Why do you think people do land acknowledgements?”. Share an example of a land acknowledgement. Here is an example of a Land Acknowledgement created by the 1st Albion Scout Group in British Columbia (edited):  

“Where we are standing (or calling in from if virtual), to the East – if we go far enough – we come to the majestic Rocky Mountains and the very edge of British Columbia. To the South we have the mighty Fraser River. The water provides food and the ability to travel great distances. To the West, we have the Pacific Ocean. The coastline and the ocean are full of mysteries and provide us with sustenance and opportunities for trade. To the North, we have the beautiful Golden Ears Mountains. Our 1st Albion Group knows these mountains well! We have played on them and are building amazing memories that we’ll always enjoy looking back at. 1st Albion Scouts is grateful to be here and grateful to the original caretakers of this land. We acknowledge we are on the unceded traditional shared territory of the Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations. Also, living and playing on this land are the Métis people, who have been historically displaced from their homelands. And so, before we begin today’s meeting/fun/celebration, we start by expressing our gratitude to the land and its original people. All my relations.” 

Tip: Define “Unceded Territory”, the use of “All my relations” (Some Indigenous peoples use the phrase “All my relations” signifying a mindset that reflects people who are aware that everything in the universe is interconnected. It also reinforces that everyone and everything has a purpose, is worthy of respect and caring, and has a place in the grand scheme of life) and use the Whose Land app to find out who the original caretakers of the land you are on are.   

• Designating one person to take notes, ask the group, “What parts of the land that we Scout on do you each appreciate the most?” 
• As a group, identify/highlight which items would be most important to mention in the land acknowledgement. 
• Using the example of a land acknowledgement, information from the Whose Land app, and important words from the notes taken, as a group write your own land acknowledgement. Then have a member read it out loud once completed.  
• Ask the youth how they might want access to their land acknowledgement (e-mailed, individualize/personalize with artwork, printed and posted or framed and kept at the hall, etc.)