How to (Thoughtfully) Add a Land Acknowledgement to Your Website
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So last week, the most thoughtful email landed in my inbox. 💌
One of my subscribers, wrote: "I noticed you have a land acknowledgement in your website footer. I've been considering adding one to my own site but I'm not sure where to start. Do you have any resources you'd recommend?"
And honestly, after sending her my notes and links from my own research, I realized this topic deserves way more spotlight than just an email reply.
Because if you've been secretly wondering whether you should add a land acknowledgement to your site (and how to do it in a way that doesn't feel performative or awkward), I've got you covered.
What Actually is a Land Acknowledgement? (& Why Your Website Might Need One)
Let's start with the basics, shall we?
A land acknowledgement is essentially recognizing and respecting Indigenous peoples as the original stewards of the land where you live and work.
It's acknowledging that the ground beneath your standing desk has a history that predates colonial borders, and honoring the people who were caring for it long before your great-great-grandparents arrived.
For us website owners, adding a thoughtful land acknowledgement shows respect for Indigenous communities and helps educate visitors about the history of the land where our businesses are based.
But (and this is a BIG but!), it needs to come from a genuine place. Not just another checkbox to tick off your website launch list.
Why Bother Adding One to Your Website?
Fair question!
Here's why you might consider it:
It acknowledges the original caretakers of the lands where you and your business operate
It educates your visitors about Indigenous history and presence
It shows your commitment to cultural respect and awareness
It can be your first step (or a step) toward deeper learning and meaningful action
But let's be crystal clear about something: a land acknowledgement without genuine intent is about as useful as a "link in bio" without an actual link.
If it's just for show, maybe pause and reconsider your motivations.
Your Step-by-Step Land Acknowledgement Game Plan
Alright, if you've decided that adding a land acknowledgement aligns with your values (high five!), here are some best practices to follow:
1. Do Your Homework (No Shortcuts!)
Before typing a single word, research whose ancestral lands you're on. Native Land Digital is a helpful starting resource that provides an interactive map showing Indigenous territories, languages, and treaties.
Remember that this is just a starting point!
The map isn't perfect and boundaries between nations are often complex and contested. After your initial research, try reaching out to local Indigenous organizations or cultural centers to verify your information.
2. Be Specific and Accurate
A meaningful land acknowledgement names the specific Indigenous nations of the territory you're on.
General statements like "we acknowledge all Indigenous peoples" totally miss the point. It's like saying "I'd like to thank everyone who helped me" in an award speech instead of naming the actual people who supported you.
Also, pay attention to how nations prefer to be named. Some use traditional names rather than names assigned by colonizers, and getting this right matters.
3. Use Present Tense
Indigenous peoples aren't just historical figures. When writing your acknowledgement, use present tense to recognize that Indigenous communities continue to exist, contribute, and maintain relationships with their ancestral lands.
For example, say "The Duwamish people are the traditional stewards of this land" rather than "The Duwamish people were the traditional stewards of this land."
That one little word makes a massive difference in recognizing living, thriving communities.
4. Choose Your Website Placement Carefully
Where you place your land acknowledgement matters. Some options to consider:
In your website footer (where mine is): Visible on every page but subtle
On your About page: Integrated with your values and story
As a dedicated page: Giving space for a more detailed acknowledgement
In your contact information: Especially if you have a physical location
Please, please don't bury it in your legal notices or treat it like some boring disclaimer. The placement should reflect your authentic commitment, not an afterthought.
Making It Work on Your Website
Adding a land acknowledgement to a digital space comes with some unique considerations:
Keep Your Voice Authentic (But Respectful)
Your website acknowledgement should match your overall brand voice while remaining respectful.
Avoid corporate-speak that sounds like it was written by a committee, but also steer clear of overly casual phrasing that might trivialize the significance.
(And yes, it's possible to sound like YOU while still being respectful. Promise.)
Add Helpful Links & Resources
One advantage of digital land acknowledgements is the ability to include links.
Consider connecting to:
Official websites of the Indigenous nations you're acknowledging
Educational resources about local Indigenous history
Native Land Digital's interactive map
Indigenous-led organizations doing important work
This gives your visitors clear paths to learn more if their interest is piqued.
Make It Accessible (Like Everything Else on Your Site Should Be 😘)
This should go without saying, but your land acknowledgement needs to be accessible:
Use at least 16px text size and visual color contrast of at least 4:5:1
Make sure it's screen-reader friendly
If you include images, add appropriate alt text
👉 Find more about accessibility in my blog posts here
Actions > Words (Always)
The strongest land acknowledgements go beyond just words to include actual commitments to action.
You might mention ways your business supports Indigenous communities, educational efforts you participate in, or resources you contribute.
But here's the crucial part:
If you're including action commitments, make sure they're specific and that you follow through. Vague promises can actually be worse than none at all.
Sometimes seeing how other orgs and businesses approach this can help spark ideas for your own.
Here are a few resources and websites doing this thoughtfully:
Creative Reaction Lab
Their acknowledgement appears in the footer of every page and connects to their organizational values. They specifically name the Osage Nation and acknowledge the forced removal of the people from the St. Louis region where they operate. Check it out at Creative Reaction Lab.
All My Relations Podcast
This Indigenous-led podcast provides a beautiful example that weaves acknowledgement with storytelling and invitation. Their approach feels personal and authentic, avoiding formulaic language. Visit All My Relations Podcast.
Design Justice Network
They've integrated land acknowledgement as part of their organizational framework and principles, showing how it can be connected to your core mission rather than standing as a separate statement. See their approach at Design Justice Network.
Your Action Plan: Creating Your Own Website Land Acknowledgement
Ready to create your own?
Here's it broken down into 7 simple steps for you:
Research whose land you're on using Native Land Digital and follow-up research
Reach out to local Indigenous cultural centers or tribal offices if possible
Draft your acknowledgement with specificity and respect
Review it for accuracy, present tense, and appropriate tone
Think about what actions you can pair with your acknowledgement
Decide on the best spot for it to go on your website
Implement with best practice design and accessibility features
This isn't a set-it-and-forget-it situation.
As you learn more, you may want to revisit and revise your acknowledgement. That's not just okay; it's actually a good sign you're growing!
Moving Beyond Performative Acknowledgements
It's worth noting that some Indigenous scholars and activists have criticized land acknowledgements that aren't paired with meaningful action as being performative.
Chelsea Vowel, a Métis writer and educator, has written thoughtfully about moving "beyond territorial acknowledgements" toward more substantial engagement.
Some ways to make your acknowledgement more meaningful:
Support Indigenous-led organizations financially (even small recurring donations matter. If you’re an Oregonian like me, and/or have ever hiked in the Wallowa Mountains in Eastern Oregon, here is a wonderful organization.)
Feature Indigenous artists, writers, or businesses in your work
Educate yourself and your team about Indigenous history and current issues
Advocate for Indigenous rights in your community
Think about how your business practices impact Indigenous communities
Resources for Learning More
Want to go beyond this blog post? Here are some excellent resources:
Native Governance Center - A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment: One of the most comprehensive guides available, covering purpose, wording, and respectful practices.
Honor Native Land Toolkit by U.S. Department of Arts and Culture (USDAC): Offers practical advice, sample text, and reflection prompts for creating meaningful acknowledgements.
Laurier Library - Digital Land Acknowledgments: Specifically focuses on adapting acknowledgements to digital spaces like websites and social media.
Beyond Territorial Acknowledgements by Chelsea Vowel: A thoughtful critique with suggestions for moving beyond performative statements.
Quick notes:
I'm writing from my perspective as a website owner in the United States. Honoring Indigenous peoples may look different depending on your own country's history and context.
I want to be completely transparent here: I'm not an Indigenous person, and I don't claim to speak for Indigenous communities. Everything I've shared comes from my personal research and learning journey, but I recognize there's always more to learn. As a non-Indigenous person, I see my role as continuing to educate myself, amplifying Indigenous voices (not replacing them), and using my platform responsibly. I encourage you to seek out Indigenous-led resources and perspectives as you create your own acknowledgement.
