Diversity, equity, inclusion - Resources
Land Acknowledgements
The climbing landscapes we protect and travel to were once home to the first people of the United States. Through violent means those people were forcibly removed, and often driven hundreds of miles from their ancestral homes. The purpose of these statements is to show respect and recognition of the indigenous people and their still present connection to the land.
“It is important to understand the longstanding 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.” Northwestern University
In an effort to share sincere land acknowledgements, we ask that organizers determine who (themselves or another representative) are best equipped to develop and share a brief statement. There are many formats and the following format is an excellent option to consider when you’re first getting started:
Ahead of your event, assign an individual with the task of offering a land acknowledgement. This can vary from person to person but a good practice is to describe the land you are living on, acknowledge the Tribes who still are living in the region, consider sharing about a non-profit or organization who is doing work on land sovereignty initiatives or direct impact work with local Tribes, and express how your audience may support their work.
Note: be sure to provide ample time for the individual to thoughtfully research and create an acknowledgement.
Resources
Includes tips for creating an indigenous land acknowledgment statement.
https://nativegov.org/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment/
U.S. Department of Arts and Culture
https://usdac.us/nativeland/
Honor Native Land Guide PDF
An interesting Vice.com article sharing some insight on how not to do a land acknowledgment. Worth the read.
vice.com
Native Lands identification map
https://native-land.ca/