At the beginning our our 30th anniversary reunion, held 28-30 July, 2024, we acknowledgement the First Nations on who lands we stand.
It is with deep respect that we acknowledge that we are on the traditional homelands of the Council of Three Fires which include the Bodéwadmik (Potawatomi), Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe), and Odawak (Odawa). In addition to the council, the Hoocąk (Winnebago/Ho’Chunk), Jiwere (Otoe), Nutachi (Missouria), Baxoje (Iowas), Kiash Matchitiwuk (Menominee), Meshkwahkîha (Meskwaki), Asâkîwaki (Sauk), Myaamiaki (Miami), Waayaahtanwaki (Wea), Peeyankihšiaki (Piankashaw); Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Peoria, Fox, and Inoka (Illini Confederacy) are also associated with this land. We recognize that the region we now call Chicago was the traditional homelands of many Indigenous nations that cared for the land and the waterways and made it a major center for gathering and trade.
We also recognize that, while Potawatomi people were violently forced to relocate after the 1833 signing of the Treaty of Chicago and are now based on sovereign lands in Michigan, Oklahoma, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Canada, this city remains home to one of the largest Indigenous populations in the United States with members of over 175 tribes who continue to practice and celebrate their traditional cultures. This remains native land, and it is the work of all of us to learn, discern, and act to disrupt colonization and repair relationships with the land, nonhuman beings, and each other.
Written by Lisa with edits by Julia
What is a land acknowledgement?
A land acknowledgement is a tradition that is centuries old in many Native communities. Today
they are used by both Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous to recognize and give respect to
the Native Peoples who steward(ed) the lands on which we live. While land acknowledgements
are a first step for non-Indigenous people in recognizing that we are occupying Indigenous
lands, it is important that we follow it with action.
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