Groundwork

Diving In

In order to start learning, everyone has to dive in. The activities in this section are essential preparation for meaningful engagement with the material later on. Diving In is for all levels of learners, from people just getting started to experienced scholars.

Write

Think about the first time you heard a land acknowledgement, about where you heard it and how it made you feel.
Freely write what you remember about your thoughts and feelings at the time.
Below are some question prompts to use as needed:
- Where did you hear the land acknowledgement?
- Who gave the land acknowledgement?
- Which words stood out to you?
- Did you feel → surprised, glad, confused, uncertain, thoughtful
- What were the reactions of the other listeners?
- What happened immediately after the land acknowledgement?

Watch

In the group activities, we will be watching two videos. Get a head-start in thinking about what stands out to you or what you would like to know more about.
Watch Musqueam Welcome by sʔəyəɬəq (Larry Grant) (1:52)

Watch the Delta Animation (1:53)

Reflect

On a map, mark: Where were you born, and where are the different places you grew up? Where were each of your parents or guardians born? Your grandparents? How far back to a place, or different places can you trace your family history? Map the languages you speak on a map.

Was there anything interesting, challenging, or complicated about marking those places on a map?
Has your relationship with any of these locations changed during your life? Are there blank spots? If any of these locations are associated with discomfort, what factors play into that (i.e. historical, familial, cultural, personal)?