Including the area’s indigenous community provides attendees with a deeper experience and a closer connection to the local culture and history.
Despite a recent Trump administration proclamation around the celebration of Columbus Day versus Indigenous Peoples Day in the U.S., there is a clear and growing trend toward including Indigenous culture, speakers and programming in meetings, events, conventions, and conferences in the U.S. and globally. This is especially true for countries that have are or in the process of going through a truth and reconciliation process, such as Australia and Canada, but is also increasingly acknowledged in other destinations located on traditional Indigenous territories.
“Generally speaking, it’s just good protocol to understand the history of where you are meeting, including some of the historical injustices. It’s a way to bring attention to the traditions of that place. Also, even if there aren’t indigenous people in the room, it’s a way of holding a space for them, to say indigenous people are welcome here,” says Leor Rotchild, author of How We Gather Matters and Senior Director at Upswing Solutions, a B Corp certified boutique consulting firm where he supports government and private sector clients to decarbonize their supply chains, address human rights risks, and deeply integrate purpose and sustainability into their core strategies..
Incorporating Indigenous voices and culture into conferences, meetings and conventions requires more than a land acknowledgment — although that’s a good start. But several major conferences, such as the NASPA Annual Conference, are moving beyond land acknowledgments to feature Indigenous keynote speakers, integrate Indigenous worldviews into multiple sessions, and create space for Indigenous-led educational programming.
Fostering genuine, ongoing engagement rooted in respect and reciprocity presents meeting and event professionals with both a responsibility and an opportunity to foster meaningful inclusion. Here are some ways to do it thoughtfully and respectfully:
- Engage with Local Indigenous Communities
Start by identifying the Indigenous nations whose lands your event takes place on. Reach out early to explore how they would like to be involved — whether through welcoming remarks, cultural contributions or partnerships. The key is to build lasting relationships, not just extend one-time invitations, especially if your event is held in the same destination over time. This helps avoid tokenism and supports Indigenous self-determination.
- Go Beyond the Land Acknowledgment
A land acknowledgment is a respectful gesture, but it’s only the beginning. When crafting one, be specific: name the nation(s) and recognize their connection to the land. Then follow up with tangible actions, like including Indigenous leaders in your speaker lineup or integrating their perspectives throughout the program.
- Invite Indigenous Voices Authentically
If inviting Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers or community leaders to participate, ensure they are compensated fairly, introduced properly (including accurate pronunciation of names and nations) and treated with the same respect as any other professional speaker. Be mindful not to ask for sacred or sensitive knowledge — some teachings are not meant for public forums.
- Follow Cultural Protocols
Each Indigenous community has distinct customs. Learn the appropriate protocols in advance — this may include how to greet Elders, the importance of storytelling or how to conduct introductions. Sessions involving Indigenous participants may require a flexible schedule to allow time for relational engagement, which often prioritizes listening and shared experience over rigid timelines.
- Center Indigenous Leadership and Content
Rather than placing Indigenous perspectives in side sessions, elevate them in keynotes, panels or featured performances. Showcase Indigenous-created works — books, films or art — and ensure these voices are central to program themes, not just add-ons.
- Avoid Assumptions and Tokenism
Not all Indigenous attendees or employees will want to speak on behalf of their communities. Participation must be voluntary, not assumed. Be transparent about your intentions and examine whether your inclusion efforts are truly meaningful — or merely symbolic.
- Practice Respectful Introductions and Interactions
Introduce yourself by sharing your full name and where you’re from. This is a common practice that supports connection. Respectful gestures, such as using a soft handshake or honoring speaking order traditions, can demonstrate cultural awareness and humility.
When you embed these principles into your planning process, you not only create more inclusive and respectful events, but you also support Indigenous sovereignty and enrich the experience for all attendees. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s continuous learning, listening and evolving with community guidance.
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