Native people short-changed with announcements

Does acknowledging the land we live, play and work on was stolen from native people matter?

During the Australian Open last month before play began an announcer said something like we are appreciative of the tournament taking place on lands that once belonged to indigenous people.

I don’t remember that airing before, but then again I often fast forward through much of the talking to get right to the matches.

At Chico State a similar announcement is made before performances at Laxson Hall (and maybe other venues on campus) about the tribe that once called this land home.

South Lake Tahoe City Council agendas say: “The City of South Lake Tahoe acknowledges the lands we occupy today are the lands and home of the Wašíšiw, the people from here known today as the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, a sovereign nation. Since the beginning of time and for thousands of years before the arrival of any other people, the Washoe lived here and cared for this place, with values and intention that we can all learn from. On behalf of the City Council, I would like to acknowledge, thank, and honor the Indigenous Washoe Tribal Communities that are the past, present, and future stewards of the Lake Tahoe Basin.”

The “I” is City Clerk Sue Blankenship because she is the one who puts the agenda together. Probably should say “we” so it’s the city saying it, or so it includes the council, too.

These announcements could clearly be stated everywhere because the United States first belonged to a multitude of indigenous peoples.

I wonder, though, is this just white-washing the issue? Is this all so white people—because we are the conquerors—can now feel better.

On the one hand I think it’s good to make people aware of history. But a line or two before an event isn’t really a history lesson or a way to educate.

I suppose if the descendants of the indigenous people who had their land stolen get some comfort, then keep repeating the words. I suppose if the acknowledgments help people take stock of what was, that is good as well. If we understand our privilege, then that’s a step in the right direction.

I wish there were more, though. Maybe a call to action. A QR code on programs or agendas or TV screens that people could click for more information, or an opportunity to donate to the native people.

An announcement isn’t enough.