[PBS] Analysis: How well-meaning land acknowledgements can erase Indigenous people and sanitize history

Many events these days begin with land acknowledgments: earnest statements acknowledging that activities are taking place, or institutions, businesses and even homes are built, on land previously owned by Indigenous peoples. And many organizations now call on employees to incorporate such statements not only at events but in email signatures, videos, syllabuses and so on. Organizations … Read more

[LA Times] After nearly 200 years, the Tongva community has land in Los Angeles County

When Kimberly Morales Johnson gazes up toward the San Gabriel Mountains, she sees the story of her community, the Tongva, Los Angeles’ first people, written on the granite. For thousands of years, the Tongva turned to these chaparral foothills and mountains during spring and summer months for food. Its canyons served as trading routes, connecting the flourishing … Read more

[OPB] University of Oregon and Eastern Oregon University announce programs supporting Native American students

By the end of Indigenous Peoples’ Day all of Oregon’s public universities had programs moving forward aimed at giving financial support to Native American students. Both the University of Oregon and Eastern Oregon University announced programs Monday, following Oregon’s five other public universities that made similar strides in the past few months. University of Oregon’s Home … Read more

[Voa News] Examining the Debate Over Native American Land Acknowledgments

WASHINGTON —  A civil rights lawsuit filed by a University of Washington computer science professor has called attention to a largely academic debate over land acknowledgments — formal statements that recognize Indigenous custodianship of geographic areas on which institutions stand or events take place. Evolving out of the work of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, … Read more

Acknowledging Native Peoples at UCLA Events

Office of the Chancellor To: Deans, Directors, Department Chairs and Administrative Officers Dear Colleagues: As indicated in the announcement regarding the appointment of Mishuana Goeman as Special Advisor to the Chancellor on Native American and Indigenous Affairs, it is important that UCLA prioritize respect for both the historic culture and the contemporary presence of American … Read more