What is a Land acknowledgment?
It is the recognition of the Native Americans/First Nations/Indigenous Peoples who cared for these lands prior to removal.
Land acknowledgments can be spoken verbally at the beginning of class or written in a display. It should also be recited before sporting and academic events, fundraisers, political events, ceremonies, and present in local institutions.
Whose Land are you on?
Guidelines for designing and writing your land acknowledgment
Acknowledging the Indigenous Heritage of Ohio and Cincinnati
The Land and Its People
Ohio, whose name originates from the Iroquoian word 'ohi-yo’, meaning 'good rivers', is a testament to the deep connection between the land and the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited it for centuries. This land, rich in rivers and natural resources, has been a hub for gatherings, ceremonies, trade, and cultural exchange. It is a place steeped in the stories, traditions, and lives of the original inhabitants.
The Indigenous Nations of Ohio
The Peoples are still here today. Ohio and the Cincinnati region are ancestral lands of several Indigenous Nations, including the Shawnee, Delaware (Lenni Lenape), Potawatomi, Miami, Wyandot, Seneca, Chippewa (Ojibwe or Anishinaabeg), Ottawa, and the Wapakoneta. These Nations and their ancestors have maintained a profound spiritual and physical connection to this land, evident in their enduring presence and cultural heritage. These Tribal Nations still thrive today, even though they’ve been forcibly removed from this land, their treaties dishonored, and their ancestors dishonored.
The Indigenous peoples of Ohio have left an indelible mark on the region. Their traditions, languages, and cultural practices continue to enrich the area, reminding us of a history that predates colonization. The land holds not just their historical artifacts but also the stories and legacies of these peoples, including over 39 historic Nations and bands.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT STATEMENT
A land acknowledgment is more than a formality; it's a crucial step towards recognizing and dismantling the ongoing effects of colonialism. By acknowledging the land and its original stewards, we pay respect to the Indigenous Nations, their elders, and their descendants. This practice also serves as a reminder of our responsibility to address historical injustices and support the sovereignty and rights of Indigenous peoples.
The Present and Future of Indigenous Peoples in Ohio
Today, the descendants of these Nations continue to contribute to the cultural and social fabric of Ohio and Cincinnati. Their resilience and strength in the face of historical challenges are a testament to the enduring spirit of Indigenous communities. It's crucial to not only remember the past but also recognize the living Indigenous cultures and their contributions to our society.
oPEN IN A GOOD WAY: Our Collective Responsibility
We invite you to join us in this acknowledgment as a meaningful gesture of respect and recognition. Let us honor the history, culture, and presence of the Indigenous Nations of Ohio and Cincinnati, and commit ourselves to learn from and support these communities.
BUILD A LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Key components
Start with self-reflection. Before starting work on your land acknowledgment statement, reflect on the process:
Why am I doing this land acknowledgment? (If you’re hoping to inspire others to take action to support Indigenous communities, you’re on the right track. If you’re delivering a land acknowledgment out of guilt or because everyone else is doing it, more self-reflection is in order.)
What is my end goal? (What do you hope listeners will do after hearing the acknowledgment?)
When will I have the largest impact? (Think about your timing and audience, specifically.)
Do your homework. Put in the time necessary to research the following topics:
The Indigenous people to whom the land belongs.
The history of the land and any related treaties.
Names of living Indigenous people from these communities. If you’re presenting on behalf of your work in a certain field, highlight Indigenous people who currently work in that field.
Indigenous place names and language.
Correct pronunciation for the names of the Tribes, places, and individuals that you’re including.
Use appropriate language. Don’t sugarcoat the past. Use terms like genocide, ethnic cleansing, stolen land, and forced removal to reflect actions taken by colonizers.
Use past, present, and future tenses. Indigenous people are still here, and they’re thriving. Don’t treat them as a relic of the past.
Land acknowledgments shouldn’t be grim. They should function as living celebrations of Indigenous communities. Ask yourself, “How am I leaving Indigenous people in a stronger, more empowered place because of this land acknowledgment?” Focus on the positivity of who Indigenous people are today.
Additional factors to consider
Don’t ask an Indigenous person to deliver a “welcome” statement for your organization. These requests can put a lot of pressure on an Indigenous person to perform. Instead, discuss your intention and ask for advice if the opportunity presents itself.
Build real, authentic relationships with Indigenous people. In addition to normal employment and family obligations, Indigenous people are working to heal their traumas, learn their languages, and support their nations. If you reach out for help, lead the conversation by asking an Indigenous person what you can do for them. Chances are, they’re likely overworked and could use your help.
Compensate Indigenous people for their emotional labor. If you do plan to reach out to an Indigenous person or community for help, compensate them fairly. Too often, Indigenous people are asked to perform emotional labor for free.
Understand displacement and how that plays into land acknowledgment. Land acknowledgment is complicated. Remember that the United States government displaced many Tribes from land before treaties were signed.
There are many types of land acknowledgments. Don’t expect to find a specific formula or template. Land acknowledgments that come from Indigenous people vs. non-Indigenous people look different, too.
Take action
Land acknowledgment alone is not enough. It’s merely a starting point. Ask yourself: how do I plan to take action to support Indigenous communities? Some examples of ways to take action:
Support Indigenous organizations by donating your time and/or money.
Support Indigenous-led grassroots change movements and campaigns. Encourage others to do so.
Commit to returning land. Local, state, and federal governments around the world are currently returning land to Indigenous people. Individuals are returning their land, too. Learn more about your options to return your land.
At the end of the day, remember
Starting somewhere is better than not trying at all. We need to share in Indigenous peoples’ discomfort. They’ve been uncomfortable for a long time. Dr. Kate Beane (Flandreau Santee Dakota and Muskogee Creek) says, “We have to try. Starting out with good intentions and a good heart is what matters most.”
FIND OUT whose land you are on (by Nation, Treaty, or Language).
RESOURCES
Native Governance Center co-hosted an Indigenous land acknowledgment event with the Lower Phalen Creek Project on Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2019 (October 14). The event featured the following talented panelists: Dr. Kate Beane (Flandreau Santee Dakota and Muskogee Creek), Mary Lyons (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe), Rose Whipple (Isanti Dakota and Ho-Chunk), Rhiana Yazzie (Diné), and Cantemaza (Neil) McKay (Spirit Lake Dakota). We’ve created this handy guide to Indigenous land acknowledgment based on our panelists’ responses.
“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
“When we talk about land, land is part of who we are. It’s a mixture of our blood, our past, our current, and our future. We carry our ancestors in us, and they’re around us. As you all do.” Mary Lyons (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe).