Land Acknowledgement
Transformation by Design, believes it is important to recognize and honor the original stewards of the lands on which our company operates. This acknowledgment is a starting point for deeper engagement and learning about the history and culture of the Indigenous Peoples of the area and should be accompanied by actions that support and respect their communities.
Acknowledge
We, at Transformation by Design, wish to acknowledge the land on which our firm is located in Central Florida, United States. This area is the traditional and ancestral homeland of the Seminole and Tequesta Indigenous Peoples. As a global firm committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, we recognize the significance of acknowledging the original stewards of these lands.
Honor
We honor the history, culture, and resilience of the Seminole and Tequesta peoples, both past and present, and commit to learning and working respectfully within this community. Our recognition of the enduring relationship between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories is an essential step in our journey towards creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
Respect
We invite our clients, partners, and community members to join us in this acknowledgment as we work together towards fostering leadership and organizational development that respects and uplifts all voices and histories.
Why Land Acknowledgements Matter
Land acknowledgments are not merely ceremonial and are much more than a formal gesture or an act of courtesy. Land acknowledgments can represent opportunities for intentional disruption and transformation. They can compel us to confront the reality of Indigenous presence and sovereignty, prompting a reevaluation of our roles and responsibilities on these lands. Writing a land acknowledgment, therefore, is an act of consciousness—a deliberate step towards acknowledging past harms, honoring Indigenous peoples, and committing to a path of reconciliation and shared future.
Transformation by Design is committed to contributing to a larger framework of reconciliation, awareness, and change.
01
Promoting Awareness
Land acknowledgments raise awareness about the Indigenous peoples who have lived and continue to live on the lands where we work, live, and gather. It's a step towards recognizing the history that has often been overlooked or erased in mainstream narratives.
03
Fostering Respect
Writing a land acknowledgment is a sign of respect towards Indigenous peoples, acknowledging their enduring relationship with their traditional territories. It's a gesture of recognition of their rights, cultures, and histories.
02
Acknowledging History
It serves as a reminder of the impacts of colonialism and the ongoing issues that Indigenous communities face. By acknowledging these realities, we confront the uncomfortable truths of our shared history and the injustices that have occurred and persist.
04
Encouraging Reflection
It can prompt individuals and organizations to reflect on their position and privileges that have come at the expense of Indigenous peoples. This reflection is crucial for understanding the complexities of colonialism and its lasting effects.
05
Sparking Dialouge
Land acknowledgments can open the door to deeper conversations about reconciliation, justice, and how to support Indigenous communities effectively. They can serve as a starting point for dialogue about how non-Indigenous people and organizations can contribute to positive change.
06
Commiting to Action
Beyond acknowledgment, this practice can inspire tangible actions towards equity and reconciliation. It challenges us to think about what steps we can take to address the legacies of colonialism, support Indigenous sovereignty, and work towards a more just future.
07
Building Relationships
By acknowledging the land and its original inhabitants, we lay the groundwork for building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities based on respect, understanding, and collaboration.
Resources for Creating Land Acknowledgments
Creating a land acknowledgment extends beyond acknowledging the historical and ongoing connection of Indigenous Peoples to their lands; it's also about committing to meaningful engagement and support for Indigenous rights and sovereignty. To assist anyone interested in crafting their own land acknowledgment or seeking to learn more about the significance of this practice, we suggest the following resources.
