Land Acknowledgement Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Kamloops Food Bank’s land acknowledgement statement is used appropriately and consistently across all communication channels. By adhering to this policy, we demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation and respect for Indigenous peoples and their traditional territories.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

“It is with respect and gratitude that the Kamloops Food Bank acknowledges our presence on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory situated within the unceded ancestral lands of the Secwépemcúl̓ecw. We are committed to learning and working towards reconciliation along with fostering a culture of respect and equality for all.”

Implementation

• Training and Education
  • All staff members, board members, and volunteers will receive training on the significance of land acknowledgements and the proper use of the Kamloops Food Bank’s statement.
  • Training sessions will be conducted regularly to ensure ongoing awareness and understanding of the organization’s commitment to reconciliation.
• Monitoring and Review
  • Compliance with this policy will be monitored by the Kamloops Food Bank’s leadership team.
  • Regular reviews will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the policy and make any necessary revisions.

Application

• Events
  • The land acknowledgement statement must be included at the beginning of all official Kamloops Food Bank events, including but not limited to:
    • Fundraising events
    • Board, staff, and volunteer meetings
    • Community outreach programs
    • Event organizers are responsible for ensuring that the statement is read aloud or displayed prominently during the event.
• Email Messaging
  • The land acknowledgement statement should be included in the signature or footer of all outgoing Kamloops Food Bank emails.
  • Staff members are encouraged to include the statement in their email communications with external stakeholders, partners, and community members whenever appropriate.
• Other Communications
  • The land acknowledgement statement should be prominently displayed on the Kamloops Food Bank’s website, along with information about the significance of land acknowledgements and resources for further learning.
  • It should also be included in official materials such as newsletters distributed by the Kamloops Food Bank.

Conclusion

The Kamloops Food Bank is dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, equality and reconciliation. By consistently incorporating our land acknowledgement statement into our events, email messaging and other communications, we reaffirm our commitment to acknowledging the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples and working towards reconciliation. Through these actions we honor the past, acknowledge the present and strive toward a better future for all.

Policy Approval

This policy has been reviewed and approved by the Kamloops Food Bank’s Board of Directors on July 23, 2024.