We acknowledge the land on which Pikes Peak State College sits and occupies today as the traditional home of the Jicarilla Apache, the Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), and the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) tribal nations. Without them, the college and the community would not have access to this gathering place. We take this opportunity to thank the original caretakers of this land, and we are committed to creating opportunities to learn about indigenous people and how to become better stewards of the land we inhabit.
Source: The National Conference for Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE) 2018 Land Acknowledgement Statement, Goshen College and the Native Lands websites.
A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.
To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. It is important to understand the long standing history that has brought you to reside on the land, and to seek to understand your place within that history. Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is a current ongoing process, and we need to build our mindfulness of our present participation. It is also worth noting that acknowledging the land is Indigenous protocol.
Although it is important to acknowledge the land, it is only a first step. We are all treaty signers, and are thus responsible and accountable for the violence that Indigenous people face. Allyship is a continuous process; it is not a designation that one can earn and hold forevermore. It is also not a label one can give themselves, but one you earn from your actions and commitment to standing in solidarity.
Allies must continually engage in self-reflection, and must consistently work at being an ally (through learning, acting in a de-colonial manner, and sustaining relationships with Indigenous Peoples, etc.)
Here are some simple ways you can begin the ongoing and continual process of acting in solidarity with Indigenous folks in [Colorado]:
LEARN: About oppression and privilege. About the history of colonization. About Indigenous peoples and cultures. About the land you live on. To listen. There are many books, blogs, documentaries, Independent media sites, plays, and songs that Indigenous people have written and performed that are great places to start learning.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS: Building relationships is a very important aspect of standing in solidarity. A great place to start on campus is going to the Aboriginal Student Center, located at 187 Albert Street. in Waterloo and 111 Darling St. in Brantford. Both campuses host a soup lunch once a week that is open to everyone. In addition, many other events take place throughout the year. Follow them on Facebook or visit in person to see what they have going on!
ACT: By being accountable towards Indigenous people and communities by supporting
what they are saying is important, aligning oneself with the struggle, and speaking
up when something problematic is said.
Source: Laurier Students’ Public Interest Research Group (LSPRING), Ontario, Canada