Land Acknowledgement
Willamette Land Acknowledgement
We are gathered on the land of the Kalapuya, who today are represented by the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, whose relationship with this land continues to this day. We offer gratitude for the land itself, for those who have stewarded it for generations, and for the opportunity to study, learn, work, and be in community on this land. We acknowledge that our University’s history, like many others, is fundamentally tied to the first colonial developments in the Willamette Valley. Finally, we respectfully acknowledge and honor past, present, and future Indigenous students of Willamette.
PNCA Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the land where PNCA is located rests on the traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, bands of the Chinook, and many other Tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River. We also acknowledge the systemic policies of genocide, relocation, and assimilation that still impact many Indigenous/Native American families today. As settlers and guests on these lands we respect the work of Native Nations, leaders and families, and make ongoing efforts to center Indigenous knowledge, creativity, resilience, and resistance.
Protocol of the Land Acknowledgement
With a genuine desire for collective healing, understanding, and partnership Willamette University offers this Land Acknowledgement to respectfully recognize the land and its Indigenous people. The Acknowledgement recognizes that lasting progress begins and continues with a growing understanding of harms and works to challenge the legacies of colonialism in order to move forward in the true spirit of community.
To implement the Land Acknowledgement is to respect those whose relationship to the land precedes ours and to collectively engage in fundamental measures that advance justice for the Indigenous peoples of the region, past, present, and future.
Guidelines
The Land Acknowledgement may be used by anyone wishing to share it at the start of their event and will be shared at the university's signature events including commencement, convocation, or university-wide lectures.
In making the acknowledgment, please do or remember the following:- A Land Acknowledgement is a respectful public recognition of the Indigenous history of the land.
- A Land Acknowledgement is given by the host or facilitator of an event or gathering unless a specific person has been requested to share the Acknowledgement. Do not assume that this is always the role of Indigenous folks present.
- The Land Acknowledgment is given regardless of whether Indigenous individuals are present or not.
- Practice saying the names so that they flow effortlessly and ask for help with any pronunciation concerns.
If a representative from the tribes has been asked to offer “welcome to the land” remarks for an event, the host or facilitator is still welcome to offer the Land Acknowledgement, but it is not necessary.