Although, Restorative language and concepts may be new for many of us, they are historically and currently practiced by Indigenous People across the globe.

If we utilize frameworks that have been adapted from the spiritual practices of Indigenous communities, without consistently and intentionally recognizing their origin, we run the risk of appropriation. It is our responsibility to honor and provide awareness of Indigenous origins of Restorative Justice Practices.

We must continuously ask ourselves how we can continue to honor the origins of Restorative Justice. If not, we will surely misrepresent deep traditions in the process.

One way you can honor and provide recognition to Indigenous populations is by consistently prioritizing your commitment to engage in land acknowledgements. Recognition though territory acknowledgements are one small part of disrupting and dismantling colonial structures.

What exactly is a land acknowledgment and what is its purpose?

Land acknowledgments are typically a formal and intentional effort at the commencement of an event or gathering to recognize what were historically the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples who were dispossessed of their homelands.

It is always best practice to obtain primary sources as well secondary sources to cross reference the content utilized in a Land Acknowledgment. While there are great resources available online, centering local Indigenous voices and narratives should be a fundamental goal. It is important to acknowledge the impacts of the United States’ colonizing and settler history, in addition to acknowledging the Indigenous tribes that previously and currently reside in the geographical region you are in.

• Alabama-Coushatta
• Caddo
• Carrizo/Comecrudo
• Coahuiltecan
• Comanche
• Kickapoo
• Lipan Apache
• Tonkawa
• Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo

For more information around Land Acknowledgements, please visit the Native American Indigenous Studies (NAIS) website.