Acknowledging the land is the bare minimum, it’s time for allies to take real action.

Land acknowledgments have become commonplace at public events, in classrooms, and in organizational meetings. These statements recognize the Indigenous peoples whose land we stand on, but let’s be honest: land acknowledgments are not enough. If they stop at mere recognition, without real action to follow, they become empty words.

I still remember when my mom had to come to my school to teach our classrooms about Indigenous cultures and history because the curriculum didn’t include it. This wasn’t an isolated incident. We’ve had elected officials question the validity of our history because “they did not read that in their history books.” 

These experiences are a stark reminder that Indigenous peoples are too often expected to bear the burden of education. It shouldn’t be that way, and the same holds true for land acknowledgments.

At too many events, land acknowledgments feel like just another checkbox—a brief mention, often spoken without thought or sincerity. Worse, Indigenous peoples are frequently asked to deliver these acknowledgments, as if their presence somehow absolves the audience of responsibility. This isn’t how land acknowledgments should work, and frankly, it’s time we move beyond this performative practice.

Non-Indigenous people need to stop asking Indigenous peoples to perform these acknowledgments on their behalf. It is not our burden to carry. When you ask us to lead the acknowledgment, you place the responsibility of recognition and education on our shoulders. 

This dynamic not only feels tokenizing but also strips the acknowledgment of its intended impact. A land acknowledgment is meant to be an expression of understanding and respect for the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded the land, but it should never become another task that Indigenous people must carry out for others.

It is your responsibility to learn whose land you are on, to understand the history and context, and to speak those words with sincerity. Do the research—use tools like Native Land to find out which Tribes’ land you are on, learn how to pronounce their names correctly, and understand the implications of that history in the present day.

If land acknowledgments become routine, they lose their power. What was once intended as an act of respect has instead become a hollow formality. If you’re reciting a land acknowledgment out of obligation or to check a box, it’s already meaningless. That’s why we must stop relying on land acknowledgments as the end goal and instead treat them as a first step toward true allyship.

Let’s be clear: Acknowledgment without action is worse than meaningless—it’s performative. Acknowledging Indigenous peoples’ history without backing it up with meaningful support allows systemic injustices to continue unchecked. Failure to move beyond acknowledgment means continuing the cycle of erasure and injustice. Indigenous peoples have been systematically marginalized for centuries, and inaction today contributes to the perpetuation of these harms.

Active allyship is the only path forward. That means going beyond words to actively support Indigenous communities in meaningful ways. It means supporting Indigenous-led organizations, advocating for policies that protect Indigenous lands and rights, and ensuring that Indigenous voices are represented in every space where decisions are being made.

True allyship also means showing up consistently. It’s easy to offer a statement, but it takes real effort to stand with Indigenous peoples when it matters—whether that’s fighting for the protection of sacred lands, challenging harmful legislation, or providing financial support for Indigenous causes. If your acknowledgment doesn’t lead to action, it’s part of the problem.

At Native Voters Alliance Nevada (NVAN), we have developed a Land Acknowledgment Template to help organizations and individuals do this right. Our template walks you through the research and preparation necessary to deliver a respectful acknowledgment. But let’s be clear: a land acknowledgment is just the beginning. If you’re not pairing that acknowledgment with real action that uplifts Indigenous voices, then you’re not doing enough.

So what does active allyship look like? It means:

• Supporting Native-owned businesses and creators to strengthen Indigenous economies.
• Attending Indigenous-led community events to better understand local priorities.
• Engaging in mutual aid efforts that directly benefit Indigenous communities. Mutual aid is about solidarity, not charity—listening to communities and responding to their immediate needs.
• Consulting Indigenous communities in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices guide the policies that affect them.
• Advocating for policies that protect sacred lands, uphold Indigenous sovereignty, and challenge systemic inequities.

These actions are not easy, but they are necessary if we are to move beyond performative acknowledgment and create real change.

Land acknowledgments alone will not fix the harm done to Indigenous peoples. They are not a solution. But if done correctly and backed by action, they can be a first step toward justice and healing. Failure to take action allows historical and ongoing erasure to continue. It’s time to commit to more than words. It’s time for active allyship, where Indigenous peoples are not just acknowledged but supported, empowered, and uplifted.

This year’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and every day, let’s stop asking Indigenous peoples to do the work of acknowledgment. Do it yourself, and then follow through with real, lasting action. Words alone won’t dismantle the systems that have marginalized Indigenous communities for centuries—only action will.