WORDS WE USE
As you explore Culturally Committed, you'll come across words that carry Indigenous Peoples’ history, teachings, or legal meaning. To help with any new words or concepts, we created a glossary as a starting point with simple explanations and links to help you dig a little deeper into the conversation.
Land, Rights & Policy
Unceded
Unceded refers to land that was never formally surrendered by Indigenous Nations through treaty or other agreement with the Crown. Because no such transfer took place, many Indigenous Nations continue to hold their traditional rights and relationship to that land today, despite it being taken and governed by colonial and Canadian governments without their consent.
In Practice: Explore our article, Understanding the Term "Unceded," to learn more about the history and importance of unceded lands.
Ceded vs. Unceded Land
While unceded land was never formally surrendered, ceded land refers to territory where a treaty was signed between an Indigenous Nation and the Crown. The written treaty language often described these agreements as a surrender of land, but many Indigenous Nations entered into them expecting to share the land and its resources, not give up ownership entirely, since the idea of owning land in that sense isn't part of most Indigenous worldviews. It's also important to know that many treaty terms have not been fully honoured by the Crown or Canadian governments since, which continues to shape this relationship today. Knowing this history helps us better understand the land we're on.
Treaty Land
Treaty lands are distinct areas that are covered by agreements between Indigenous Nations and the Crown. Understanding whose land you’re on starts with learning about the specific Nation and treaty relationship for that place.
Aboriginal Title
People sometimes think that Aboriginal Title grants Indigenous Nations rights they didn’t have before. Instead, under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, it affirms their long-standing traditional rights that existed before Canada was formed.
DRIPA
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) is British Columbia's law that puts the principles of UNDRIP into action. It also helps guide how the province works with Indigenous Peoples as local laws and policies continue to evolve.
UNDRIP
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is an international declaration that outlines the rights of Indigenous Peoples and gives a guide for governments to respect those rights.
Understanding & Reflection
Cognitive Imperialism
​Cognitive imperialism is the belief that there’s only one valid way of learning or understanding. When this happens, it leaves little room for Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and lived experience.
In Practice: Read our article on Cognitive Imperialism to learn more about this concept.
Cultural Safety & Practice
Cultural Safety
Cultural safety is about how someone experiences a service, event, or interaction, whether they feel respected, and safe to be fully themselves without their identity being questioned or disrespected. It applies to anyone navigating systems and institutions, and only the person receiving the care or service can decide if it genuinely feels safe to them.
In Practice: At Culturally Committed, our work centres Indigenous Peoples' experiences and knowledge, since the concept of cultural safety was developed in direct response to harm within institutions not designed with Indigenous Peoples in mind. Read our article "Intro to Indigenous Cultural Safety: Truth, Resilience, and Reconciliation" to dig deeper.
Cultural Humility
Cultural humility is an ongoing practice of self-reflection: recognizing that no one has all the answers about another person's culture, and staying open, curious, and willing to learn directly from the people and communities around you. It has no endpoint, it's something you practice, not something you complete.
In Practice: At Culturally Committed, this means non-Indigenous people committing to learn from Indigenous Peoples themselves, rather than assuming expertise or speaking on their behalf.
Decolonization
Decolonization is the ongoing work that needs to happen to change systems like government and healthcare that are shaped by colonization. It also includes respecting Indigenous Peoples’ traditional rights, knowledge, and leadership.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is an ongoing effort to rebuild the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples, grounded in respect and empathy. Reconciliation, as it's often practiced through government processes, works within existing systems and timelines. This is different from Indigenous resurgence, a self-determined path that doesn't wait on those processes.
In Practice: Read our article on Indigenous Resurgence to understand how these two concepts differ and connect.
Land Acknowledgment (also known as Territorial Ackowledgement)
A land acknowledgment recognizes that we're on the traditional land of Indigenous Peoples who still have a connection to that land. It's a reminder that every place has its own history, but on its own, an acknowledgment isn't the finish line. It is important to name the specific Nations when giving a land acknowledgement and ensure it's not just words spoken before an event begins, but connected to learning and action.