Feb 10 2026 Journal 4 - Stories, Legacy & Identity & What is a land acknowledgment & Writing a Meaningful Land Acknowledgement - Teams & Teacher One-On-One Meetings

Silent Read 20 min - students have personal novels under window yellow bin. 

Journal Prompt # 4 - journals in blue bin by windows. 

Re: Yesterday's viewing - Stories, Legacy & Identity: How to Weave a Cultural Legacy Through Storytelling | Cohen Bradley

(students write 1 paragraph):

Intro, body (answers to 3 bullets below) & conclusion.

Choose one part of your life story that you think will matter to others in your community in the future.

• Why does this story matter?

• Who will remember it?

• How does your story connect to others’ stories?

Encourage students to think about stories beyond social media or achievement, and more about relationships, lessons, and belonging.

After paragraphs complete - 

Mini Lesson:

What is a land acknowledgment?

CBC Kids Presentation. 

Writing a Meaningful Land Acknowledgement

Location focus: Revelstoke, BC

Local Context 

We are grateful to be living and learning on the traditional territory of the Sinixt, Ktunaxa, Syilx (Okanagan), and Secwepemc Peoples.

• These Nations have distinct cultures, languages, and histories

• Indigenous presence is ongoing, not just historical

Prompt (Think–Pair–Share):

• Why do people give land acknowledgements?

• What stood out to you from the CBC Kids presentation?

• What makes an acknowledgement feel meaningful instead of automatic?

Land acknowledgements are about respect, awareness, and responsibility.

NOTES: What Makes a Strong Land Acknowledgement 

A meaningful land acknowledgement:
✔ Names the local Indigenous Nations
✔ Uses present tense (acknowledges living cultures)
✔ Shows gratitude or respect
✔ Includes personal reflection or responsibility
✔ Is brief and sincere

Avoid:
✖ Copy-and-paste scripts
✖ Past tense only (“used to live here”)
✖ Overly formal or performative language

Model Example

“I acknowledge that I am living, learning and experiencing the traditional territory of the Sinixt, Ktunaxa, Syilx, and Secwepemc Peoples. I recognize their long-standing relationship with this land and their continued presence here today. I am grateful to live in this place and commit to learning more about Indigenous histories and perspectives.”

Ask students:

• What elements from notes - 'What Makes a Strong Land Acknowledgement' do you see?

• What makes this feel respectful?

Student Writing Task - 

Student Template - inside of TEAMS. - laptop cart 3 - if time - students can start teams assignment task - if not - next day. 

The below template is a clickable document on teams > assignments that they can click on. 

Title: My Land Acknowledgement

1. Name the Land and Peoples

I acknowledge that I am living and learning on the traditional territory of the
Sinixt, Ktunaxa, Syilx, and Secwepemc Peoples.

2. Acknowledge Relationship (Past & Present)

I recognize their long-standing and ongoing connection to this land, including __________________________________________.

3. Personal Reflection or Gratitude

This land is important to me because __________________________________________.

4. Responsibility / Commitment

I commit to showing respect by __________________________________________.

Final Draft - to write underneath your completed template - (4–6 sentences):
You will combine the above into a single, smooth paragraph written in your own voice.

Final Teacher One-On-One Meetings.