The University of British Columbia is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people.
A “land acknowledgement” acts as a moment to recognize the original inhabitants of the land that you are living, studying, or working upon.
At UBC the practice of a land acknowledgement serves as a reminder that the university is located on Musqueam territory, and that we must continue to reflect our relationship with the Musqueam people, whose land we are studying on.
The words “traditional,” “ancestral,” and “unceded” can easily become rote as we repeat them. Take a moment to appreciate the meaning behind them:
Traditional : recognizes lands traditionally used and/or occupied by the Musqueam people or other First Nations in other parts of the country.
Ancestral : recognizes land that is handed down from generation to generation.
Unceded : refers to land that was not turned over to the Crown (government) by a treaty or other agreement.
For more reading from UBC:
⊛ What is a Land Acknowledgement? (1 minute read)
⊛ What you need to know about learning on Musqueam territory (2 minute read)
⊛ Musqueam street signs at UBC
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