Land Acknowledgments

trees with yellow leaves in front of glacier and lake

A land acknowledment is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.

- Definition from Northwestern University

 

Why Land Acknowledgments Are Important
By Jessica Ross, Nughejagh Founder

jessica ross speaking to crowdThere is something significant about feeling seen and heard. Growing up a Dena'ina in Anchorage, I was often mistaken for another race, and whenever I tried to explain my background I was met with unsettling comments such as "You don't know what you are talking about" and "There are no Natives from Anchorage."

I fought with these sorts of confrontations since childhood. I had not heard a land acknowledgment until a commencement ceremony here at UAA in the spring of 2019. It was the first time I had heard a large organization acknowledge the existence of my people, acknowledge MY existence. The statement brought me to tears and ever since I have noticed myself grow in confidence and participate in my tribe, community, and my work like never before.
 
Since then I have participated in numerous land acknowledgments, and love to share with people my story on why the practice is relevant to our work here at the University.

 

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