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Land acknowledgments: Online training for staff and faculty

Are you interested in reciting a land acknowledgment at a gathering or in the classroom? It is important to take steps to develop a personal understanding of the “why” behind land acknowledgments to avoid inappropriate use or being performative. This series of training videos walk participants through the components of land acknowledgments – while also providing historical context and exploring the significance of land rights today.

These trainings were designed for College of Engineering faculty and staff. Others are welcome to participate in this learning journey.

All videos are captioned. Resources are available for each section.

Introduction: The importance of land acknowledgments

Learn about the framing, objectives, and themes for this training series.

Pop culture influences

Examine how pop culture influences the way Native Americans are perceived, and whether these perceptions are accurate. Consider how these ideas contribute to persistent beliefs—both conscious and unconscious—about rightful possession of land.

Native perspectives

In this historical deep dive, examine the impacts of colonialism on indigenous peoples. Learn about what they have done and continue to do in response to preserve their culture and connection to the land.

Core tenets of land acknowledgments

Learn some of the core tenets of land acknowledgments, and the actionable responsibility that comes with reciting them. Hear about indigenous peoples’ perseverance and ongoing effort to maintain the connection to their land and culture.

Reflection

See examples of how core tenets are manifested in various land acknowledgments.

Conclusion

Review the considerations for when it is appropriate to recite a land acknowledgment and consider actions you can personally take to make them meaningful to you.

Resource guide

Condor, B. (2021, August 18). Supporting ‘land and peoples.’ NHL.com/Seattle Kraken.https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/seattle-kraken-present-land-and-peoples-acknowledgement-to-salish-tribal-leaders/c-325974584

Hill, W. E. (2000, February 5). Oregon Trail: Wagons. Britannica.com. Retrieved August 11, 2022 from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Oregon-Trail/Wagons

Langevin, M. (2020). Coast Salish Anthem: Chief Dan George’s Prayer Song [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQk-rVgnW_I

Mansky, J. (2017, March 23). The true story of Pocahontas. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true-story-pocahontas-180962649/

Mike Darling Films. (2016, September 13). Mni Wiconi: Water is life [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8pZuz4QLwA

Nashville Public Library. (2019, August 16). Tackling racism in children’s books: Little House on the Prairie. Nashville Public Library. https://library.nashville.org/blog/2019/08/tackling-racism-childrens-books-little-house-prairie

National Environmental Education Foundation. (2022). A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment. National Environmental Education Foundation. https://www.neefusa.org/guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment

Native Governance Center. (2019, October 22). A guide to Indigenous land acknowledgment. Native Governance Center. https://nativegov.org/news/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment/

Native Governance Center. (2019, October 22). A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment. Native Governance Center. https://nativegov.org/news/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment/

Native Knowledge 360° Education Initiative. (2022). Honoring original Indigenous inhabitants: Land acknowledgment.National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian. https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/resources/Honoring-Original-Indigenous-Inhabitants-Land-Acknowledgment

Office of Equity and Inclusion. (2022). Land acknowledgment. University of Washington, Tacoma. https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/equity/land-acknowledgement

Olsen, P. (2021, August 24). Acknowledging the Land, Building Deeper Relationships. Burke Museum. https://www.burkemuseum.org/news/acknowledging-land-building-deeper-relationships

Pelc., C. (2021, December). An introduction to Indigenous land acknowledgments for college and university leaders. Every Learner Everywhere. https://www.everylearnereverywhere.org/blog/an-introduction-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgements-for-college-and-university-leaders/

PowWows.com. (2022). Find a powwow near you. PowWows.com. Retrieved August 11, 2022 from https://www.powwows.com/

Puyallup Tribal Language. (2020, October 12). Puyallup Tribal Lushootseed land acknowledgment [Video]. YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGnac8x-SIM