1by1
FAQs
Is the dimension 1 foot by 1 foot important?
What is important is that it is a small footprint. We are not asking for a monument /memorial or ‘statement’, but something that is small enough to be possibly ignored, but that if asked by a neighbor for example, will open up a conversation. Pick a relevant unit of measure; it could be 1 meter by 1 meter, 1 arm’s length by 1 arm’s length, etc.
Will this project benefit Native American communities?
Like other land/territory acknowledgement projects, 1by1 is intended to benefit Native American communities only indirectly as a small part of larger processes. Its primary goal is to widen the communication horizon between non-Native/non-Native and non-Native/Native. We want to expand those horizons not abstractly, but in the real time and place of land ownership. Like all acknowledgment projects, its purpose is political in the minor key, but because it aims – theoretically at least - to include everyone in the US, it hopes to radically expand the reach and nature of acknowledgment into mainstream.
Were Native Americans associated with this project?
Yes, this was developed in consultation with various activists. Furthermore, several members of Native American community have participated.
Can this project be done outside of the US?
Yes of course. We are only focusing on the US because of our site of location and our critique of our nation state as an extension of its settler colonial project. But the project concept applies to many places in the Americas and indeed to other parts of the world as well. We welcome projects that are not in the US, and dialogues that are non-US.
Can I participate even if I do not own land?
Yes. Some participants have proposed interventions on property that is owned by other family members or friends. Some have proposed interventions on the site of their house or apartment.
Do I have to be an architect or artist to participate?
No. This project is open to people of all skills and interests. It can be done collaboratively or singly.
Where do I start?
Some recommended starting points as part of the learning process:
Do you know the tribal history/affiliation of your land?
Do you know if the people once on your land were displaced and if so what happened to them?
Do you know where the indigenous population is today?
Do you know the name of the language that is/was spoken?
Do you know of any surviving sacred sites?
Do you know the current tribal organizations or Native American cultural institutions in your city or state?
We would like to quote Melissa Shaginoff, artist and curator living and working on Dena’ina land in Dghayitna’ (Anchorage).
“Through Land Acknowledgement we are all learning and changing. These resources will likely change as well. Your Land Acknowledgment should be part of your continual education and a commitment of equity and justice towards Indigenous people. It is important that during this process we openly accept correction without defensiveness. This work is ours to be done, because we are on Indigenous land.”