The Stone Turtle

– The Stone Turtle’s Address –

This is the Stone Turtle.

I’m very pleased that you have come to visit me today.  

Many people have asked: “Why is a Turtle a good symbol for a Land Acknowledgement?”

Well, one of the creation stories shared by quite a few Indigenous Nations tells that after the great flood, it was the muskrat who gave their life to bring some mud from the bottom of the great sea to place on my back.  That bit of soil became what Indigenous People call Turtle Island and you know as North America.

Another reason is that as a turtle, I am the animal symbol for the Grandfather teaching about ‘Truth.’  It is appropriate that a turtle speak truthfully about the land on which you stand.

The land is very important to us all.  It is respected by Indigenous peoples as ‘Mother Earth,’ who is the home for all beings: rocks; plants; animals; birds; fish; insects … and even humans.

Traditionally, an Indigenous person spoke a land acknowledgement when entering the territory of another nation.  It was an announcement that the visitor was aware that the land did not belong to them.  The resident person would respond with a welcoming speech.  They would say:

“I am pleased to welcome you to the territory of the Algonquin Nation.”

Indigenous people do not think of ‘land ownership’ in the same way as European settlers.  

Know that the land belongs to the creator who has agreed to share it with all beings.

Know that everyone must respect and care for the land.  

Join together in the shared stewardship of Mother Earth upon whom all life depends.

Thank you for visiting me.  Do come again.  I may have other stories to tell.

May the voice of the turtle be heard across the land.