Land Acknowledgement

It is really important to understand the long-standing history that has brought us to reside on the land and for us to understand our place within history. We want to acknowledge that colonialism is an ongoing process and we have to be mindful of our participation. At times land acknowledgements can be tokenized or a box-checking gesture rather than a meaningful practice. We want to acknowledge that we really need to take ownership of the genocide, stolen land, ethnic cleansing, and forced removal of the indigenous people on Turtle Island (aka North America). Land ownership does not exist in the indigenous culture as they believe that lands are sacred, living relatives, ancestors, places of origin or any combination of the above.  

Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Truth and acknowledgement are critical to building a mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth.

Seoulful Productions is based in NYC, the homeland of the Lenape people.

We encourage you to find out: https://native-land.ca/ or text your location to 1-855-917-5263 about what lands you are born on. We also ask you to deepen and expand this practice by exploring ways to honor the people and the land to build our pathway towards liberation.

*This land acknowledgement was written by Kayla Kim Votapek & Kim Pevia.