Squaxin Island Tribe council chair urges short, research-based land acknowledgements paired with education

Christopher Klopps Peters, council chair of the Squaxin Island Tribe, urged organizations to pair land acknowledgements with education and community outreach rather than rely on routine, lengthy readings. "When when considering a land acknowledgement the first thing you need to do is your research," Peters said, adding that tribal websites and direct outreach provide essential local context.

Peters framed acknowledgements primarily as an educational tool. He told listeners that many people "just don't know" Indigenous histories in the region and that a concise, informed acknowledgement can raise awareness of the long-standing presence of tribal peoples. "Current society is about 150 years old. United States is 250 years old," he said, contrasting that span with Indigenous occupancy measured in thousands of years.

While acknowledging historical trauma, Peters said his aim is awareness rather than apology. "I will tell people that what they have ... the roads, the buildings, the economy, the riches that we have in today's society ... come on the backs of injustice to people of color. Those are just facts," he said, then emphasized that the purpose of recognition is to educate to avoid repeating past wrongs.

Peters urged organizations to invite tribal speakers for education rather than simply reading a long statement. "I'm actually more of a fan of land education," he said, noting he has worked with schools, youth groups and other organizations to explain tribal history and help craft acknowledgements when requested.

He warned that overly frequent or lengthy acknowledgements can lose meaning and prompt resentment. "If it's a page long and you're going on and on and on you're going to lose people as well," Peters said, recommending short, occasional acknowledgements—"once a year, twice a year, quarterly"—coupled with teaching about what the acknowledgement means.

Peters closed by stressing collaboration: tribal and local communities can work together on education and stewardship. He offered to assist organizations that want guidance on meaningful acknowledgements or presentations.

The remarks did not propose any formal policy or vote; they were a public presentation on best practices for acknowledgements and community education.