Earth Day & Native Land Acknowledgments

Published April 8, 2025 By Joshua Arce

Earth Day and Earth Month are ideal moments to reflect on the land we inhabit. Why? Because the Indigenous peoples of North America have a relationship with this land that stretches back for millennia. A land acknowledgment recognizes the tribes for their stewardship and vast knowledge passed down through generations, long before Western colonization. This knowledge informs the sustainability practices we champion today. Yet simply acknowledging the land’s history is not enough. To be meaningful, Native land acknowledgments must lead to real commitments – it’s the actions we take afterward that matter most.

How to Make a Native Land Acknowledgment

When done thoughtfully, Native land acknowledgment statements honor the original inhabitants of the land you’re on today. They acknowledge history and undo some of the Indigenous erasure. While no single approach will please everyone, here are some considerations for making Native land acknowledgments this Earth Day:

Start with the Native Land app. This tool answers the question, “Who’s land am I on?”
Reflect on the purpose. Why are you making a land acknowledgment and how does it relate to your work?
Identify the right tribes. Consider the ancestral homelands of the tribes in your area? Which tribe has the longest claim to the area? Which tribe or tribes have lived there since time immemorial?

To prepare your acknowledgment, the best way to ensure accuracy and respect is to ask a Tribal leader or historian. Ask questions like:

How do I pronounce your name?
What’s your history in the area?
How did colonialism impact the region?
How can you help, beyond making an acknowledgment?

In your acknowledgment statement, be sure to recognize these important truths:

The harm caused by colonization and the forced removal of Indigenous peoples from their lands
The ongoing systemic oppression Indigenous peoples face amid their ongoing efforts to protect Mother Earth
How all of us, as settlers, are the heirs and beneficiaries of the colonization of their lands

Encouraging Action After Land Acknowledgment

Land acknowledgments for Earth Day or any day should spark commitment and action. For example, your statement should encourage your audience to learn more about the tribes in your area by:

Attending local powwows and Native-led events
Donating to local tribes or Native-led nonprofits
Seeking out Native perspectives on sustainable land stewardship

Land Acknowledgements Are Not Merely Symbolic

In short, Native land acknowledgments must be credible, not merely symbolic. Rather, they involve listening, learning, and supporting Indigenous communities in their fight for environmental and social justice. On this Earth Day, let’s celebrate the beauty of our planet and the Indigenous peoples who have been its caretakers for thousands of years. A simple act, like starting an event with a land acknowledgment, can spark important conversations or open the door to a larger movement of stewardship or #LandBack. For example, the Spirit Lake Nation is the latest recipient of land back from the federal government, which will bring economic benefits to the tribe. Together, we can create a more inclusive, sustainable future for all.