Explore the true impact and responsibility of land acknowledgments in our interactive workshop. We delve into how mere acknowledgment without further action can be tokenistic and fail to address the ongoing invisibility of indigenous peoples. This session challenges participants to reflect on their equity goals and the role of land acknowledgments in achieving them. We'll discuss strategies for creating meaningful equity for Indigenous communities, understanding the context of local Indigenous histories, and assessing your organization's role in the context of colonialism. Join us to learn how to transform land acknowledgments from symbolic gestures into steps towards genuine change and support for Indigenous peoples.

This interactive workshop will be guided and facilitated by Marek Tyler. Marek is an educator, entrepreneur, project liaison, manager, facilitator, and touring musician living in amiskwacîy (Edmonton) on Treaty 6 territory. Marek is known for his work with cultural, education, and entrepreneurial initiatives including, performing with nêhiyawak, The Witness Blanket – A National Monument to Residential School Survivors; project managing The Spirit Pole – North American Indigenous Games; and conducting Community-based research for the Indigenous non-profit sector. Currently, Marek is documenting his family’s cultural protocols in contemporary art.