The creation of the United States National Parks is often framed as a triumph of conservation, but for Indigenous peoples, it was a process of systemic dispossession and forced removal. To create what early conservationists called "unpeopled wilderness," the federal government had to physically and legally erase the presence of the people who had stewarded those lands for millennia.

Slowing down and experiencing nature gives us an incredible opportunity to connect with new landscapes, but every place we visit has a deep history that predates modern maps and tourism. Long before these spaces became national parks, bustling cities, or scenic highways, they were — and still are — the traditional homelands of Indigenous peoples.

Understanding and acknowledging Indigenous land when we travel is about moving beyond the role of a passive tourist and becoming a mindful guest. Here is why it matters:

• Honoring True History: It counters the myth that these landscapes were just empty "wilderness" before being discovered or developed, recognizing the centuries of deeply rooted history and culture built into the ground beneath our feet.

• Environmental Stewardship: Indigenous communities have successfully managed and protected these ecosystems for generations. Acknowledging the land reminds us to adopt that same mindset of respect, ensuring we leave the ecosystem as vibrant as we found it.

• Supporting Living Cultures: Indigenous peoples aren't just a part of history books; they are active, living communities today. Land acknowledgment is a vital first step toward supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, learning from local artists, and respecting ongoing cultural traditions.

When we take a moment to look up whose land we are walking on, we transform our journey from a simple trip into a deeper, more respectful connection with the world.

Quicklinks & Tips

📱 Find out whose land you’re on with the native-land.ca app — this is a starting point to learn more.

🌐 Get resources from the Native Governance Center, particularly their free online resource "Beyond Land Acknowledgment."

🔍 Find out if the local tourism board has a guide to Indigenous tourism. Many regional travel boards now partner directly with local nations. For example, Destination BC, Travel Alaska, Travel Oregon, and Indigenous Tourism Alberta publish comprehensive, respectful travel guides that point tourists directly toward Indigenous-owned eco-lodges, cultural centers, and guided tours.

🔍 When looking for tours within or around national parks, research whether Indigenous-owned and operating businesses offer tours— you can find some details at this link.

📺 To learn more about what the lands were and the people who stewarded them before White settlers came and the national parks were established, watch this PBS documentary, “Before There Were Parks.” (see below)