What is a Land Acknowledgement?
A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.
Why do we recognize land?
To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on and a way of honoring 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 acknowledgments 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.
How to use this statement?
Campus Stakeholders are encouraged to use the suggested acknowledgment version listed below and that the acknowledgement take place at the beginning of the event:
Oxnard College Land Acknowledgement Sample Statement:
“We pause to acknowledge all local indigenous peoples, including the Chumash, Gabrielino, and Tongva, who inhabited this land. We embrace their continued connection to this region and thank them for allowing us to live, work, learn, and collaborate on their traditional homeland. Let us now take a moment of silence to pay respect to their elders and to all the indigenous people of our region, past and present.”
