Image Credit: Gwyn Gutheil
Land acknowledgements are made to honor and respect the strength and resilience of indigenous peoples in protecting this land. We begin by acknowledging that the lands and waterways of what is now the state of Connecticut have been stewarded by the Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, Nipmuc, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett, Niantic, Lenape, and the Quinnipiac and other Algonquian speaking peoples throughout the generations.
“Trinity College is located just west of the Kwinitekw, or Connecticut River, within Wangunk homelands. The river valley has sustained countless generations of Wangunk people, joined by Indigenous communities from across the globe, including within Hartford’s Andean, Central American, and Caribbean communities. Situated in Hartford, we at Trinity have ongoing investment in recognizing and celebrating the Indigenous communities of Connecticut, New England, and beyond” (Trinity College Indigenous Studies Working Group).
In practical recognition of this land acknowledgement and to directly support Indigenous communities, there are several action steps that we can take: (selected steps from Voices of Witness).
- Remember that we are all occupying tribal land, and know whose traditional territory you live on. The map developed by Native Land Digital is a good place to start. Do research into the Indigenous peoples who historically occupied the territory, who currently does, and the history of how it was stolen.
- Support your local Indigenous community center. You can find them in Oakland, Los Angeles, Toronto, Denver, Winnipeg, Chicago, New York City, Victoria, Minneapolis and many more cities throughout North America.
- Donate money or time to Native-led programs and organizations. For example, you can support the work of the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center to end the crisis of violence against Native women, girls, and two-spirit folks. Check out the Native American Community Response Fund to support those who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
- Campaign and vote for Native candidates at all levels of government to increase representation at the local, state and national levels. Demand more of currently elected governments, too; advocate for policy and legislation that supports Native communities.
- Read books by Indigenous writers like Tommy Orange, Billy-Ray Belcourt, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Lee Maracle, Terese Marie Mailhot, Vine Deloria Jr., Louise Erdrich, N. Scott Momaday, and more to learn how Native people represent themselves and their cultures, histories, and communities. Read How We Go Home: Voices from Indigenous North America and share a copy with a friend or colleague.
Please also join us in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month by exploring this collection of books, lectures, podcasts, documentaries, visual art, digital exhibits, and museums.
Guide Creators Amanda Guzman, Cait Kennedy, Hilary Wyss, Jeff Liszka, Juliet Nebolon, Mary Mahoney, Mary McNeil, Tom Wickman, and Yoli Bergstrom-Lynch