Land Recognition

The guidelines are subject to change as Geomorphica evolves.

 

The Land Recognition statement is a place to acknowledge the history and cultural significance of a place where work was done, including both institutions where researchers are located and sites where work was completed (e.g., field work or geologic sampling*). Many lands (including their water, air, and other components) have traditional and/or current significance to indigenous groups, and it is appropriate to recognize, and enable others to recognize, such history and connection. 

Some example phrasing is 

  •  “We recognize that our work was completed from institutions located on the traditional and unceded lands of the <indigenous group that used to steward the land> (as determined from the website https://native-land.ca).” 
  •   “The fieldwork was completed within areas of cultural significance to <historical and/or contemporary indigenous groups>.”
  •   “This work was enabled by observations from the <telescope/facility name>, located within the lands of the <historical and/or contemporary indigenous groups>, and we are grateful for the privilege of observing the Universe from a place of such high <science value, e.g., astronomical quality> and cultural significance.” 

Such statements are becoming more common within some areas (e.g., U.S.A., Canada, New Zealand, and Australia), but may be appropriate in other areas. The aim of these statements is to recognize the enduring effects of colonialism and honor the history of cultures and locations before western science entered an area. These statements recognize the strong connections and responsibilities that indigenous peoples often have to their traditional territories, even despite injustices that may have removed their access and/or power. 

The website https://native-land.ca compiles some information on indigenous people’s lands. We hope that authors will go beyond this website and identify local resources that would make their Land Recognition statement(s) as accurate and appropriate as possible. If specific resources are used to determine appropriate recognition, we recommend citing the sources (an example is shown above). Note that if an indigenous organization was consulted to ensure respectful design or completion of this work, they should also be recognized here. Depending on the type of contribution to the work, they could also be recognized in other ways, such as under Acknowledgments or with co-authorship.

Well before the generation of a Land Recognition statement, we hope that authors have engaged in ethical and respectful access to lands with significance for indigenous or other groups and/or future generations. This can include establishing authentic connections with local groups/governing bodies within development of your geoscience fieldwork and, as reasonable, inclusion and recognition of local science resources and scientists. Several writings about how to do this (and what to avoid, such as parachute science and other exploitation) are cited below, many with links to additional information. Demonstration of unsafe or unethical science practices may be grounds for publication rejection.

 

Should the authors’ institution(s) and work sites not carry historical or cultural significance to an indigenous or other group, please include a brief statement explaining this in the Native Land Recognition. For example:

  •  After consulting relevant resources and checking with the relevant local communities, the authors have confirmed that the lands containing their institutions and all work sites associated with this study do not have cultural or historical significance to a particular indigenous group.

 

Additional information

Some further information about these types of statements and the need for respect for lands where our work is completed and the people with ties to that land: