Understanding The Term Unceded

I will never forget my first interactions with Culturally Committed Mentor, Emily White of Tla'amin and Klahoose Nations. Early on, Emily supported me in composing one of our first Teachings Tuesdays — a reflection on the importance of Indigenous languages and how they hold the teachings, connections, and histories of a people.

I remember feeling both mesmerized and a little intimidated by Emily’s brilliance. Everything about creating Culturally Committed felt terrifying, and the pressure I put on myself to execute everything I did in a way that would make my Mentors proud felt overwhelming. I am not expert at this, and I have never proclaimed to be one. I wanted so badly to do her words justice and recall anxiously drafting her teaching and creating the accompanying graphic for our weekly post.

Shortly after the post went live, I received a message from Emily’s cousin. She kindly pointed out that I had mistakenly described Emily as being from "Tla'amin and Klahoose Nation," when it should have been pluralized — Tla'amin and Klahoose are distinct Nations. I was mortified by my error, embarrassed that I hadn’t known enough to catch it myself.

Why am I sharing this? Because learning takes time — and sometimes, we make mistakes. That’s okay. What matters most is how we respond: with humility, accountability, and a willingness to grow.

This week's Teachings Tuesday is shared with you by one of our cherished Community Members, Deborah Grauer. Deb is a passionate ally who brings thoughtfulness and meticulous care to everything she does. When she showed me this article she had written to explain the meaning of the term unceded as it applies to land acknowledgements, I knew right away that it could guide the learning and understanding of others, myself included.

Thank you, Deb, for your dedication to this work and for allowing us to share your words.

May we all continue to listen, learn, and lean into the discomfort of growth — because that’s where understanding begins.

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"The term unceded recognizes that many Indigenous lands were never formally surrendered. Treaties are negotiated agreements involving land, governance, and shared responsibilities.  In B.C., where most lands remain outside finalized treaty agreements, unceded reflects the cultural and legal reality of First Nations’ ongoing connection to their territories. Using unceded in land or territorial acknowledgements requires careful and intentional use—it does not apply universally, and context matters deeply.

For Nations with modern treaties, like those negotiated through the BC Treaty Process , unceded may not be appropriate in land or territorial acknowledgements because it doesn’t recognize a Nation’s decision to engage in treaties and sovereignty. For example, the treaty lands of the Tsawwassen First Nation should be recognized as such and not as unceded territory. Read more here on Tsawwassen First Nation’s Final Agreement.

For Nations without treaties, such as Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh, unceded is accurate. These Nations steward their territories (commonly known as Vancouver) without formal agreements, transferring land title to the Crown. Similarly, on southern Vancouver Island, lək̓ʷəŋən territory (Songhees Nation, and Xwsepsum Nation (Esquimalt), commonly known as Victoria) is also unceded.

For areas under historic treaties, such as the Douglas Treaties on Vancouver Island (1850-1854), unceded is more complex. Historic agreements were about shared responsibilities and relationships, not cession. Therefore, it is important to understand each Nation’s perspective when preparing territorial and land acknowledgements.

Words matter. Alternatives like “the lands of or territory of” or naming the Nation(s) directly can provide meaningful and respectful options.

As settlers and allies, our responsibility when crafting land and territorial acknowledgements is to do so mindfully, connecting to each Nation’s culture, history, and stewardship. This act of reconciliation honors Nations’ care for the lands and waters since time immemorial."

Mistakes can feel uncomfortable, sometimes even overwhelming, but they are part of the process. What matters most is showing up with curiosity, care, and a willingness to learn. We won’t always get it right, but that’s okay. Progress, not perfection, is what moves us forward.

Deborah’s thoughtful piece is a reminder that understanding terms like unceded isn’t just about getting the words right — it’s about honoring the truth behind them. Thank you, Deb, for your dedication to this work and for helping us all deepen our understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does unceded mean?

Unceded is a term that means land was never surrendered, sold, or transferred through a treaty or another kind of agreement. For many Indigenous Nations, it also explains their ongoing relationship with the land today.

Is unceded land the same as treaty land?

No, unceded land was never transferred through a treaty or formal agreement. Treaty land is different and means the land is governed by agreements made between Indigenous Nations and the Crown.

How do you know if land is unceded?

Start by learning about the Indigenous Nation whose territory you're on. Many Nations share information about their history and whether or not their land is unceded on their websites and educational resources. Every Nation's story is unique, so it's important to learn directly from the people whose land you're on instead of assuming.

Is unceded the same as unceded territory?

Yes, people use "unceded" and "unceded territory" interchangeably. "Unceded territory" is land that was never surrendered through a treaty or other formal agreement.

When should you use the term unceded?

You should only use the term "unceded" when it reflects the history of the Nation whose territory you're acknowledging. Not all Nations have treaties, and every Nation's history is different. Learning a about that Nation's history helps you use the term respectfully.