A Humble Acknowledgement of Native Lands

A Humble Acknowledgement of Native Lands

Compiled by Katie Dell

We recognize that the first Thanksgiving would not have happened without the wisdom and knowledge of native peoples in the Americas. It is in this spirit that we humbly offer these land acknowledgements for the contiguous United States and Baja California, Mexico.

A land acknowledgement recognizes the historical and continuing connection between indigenous people and their native lands.

Many of us are reading this acknowledgment from our homes in the United States, named by some indigenous people as Turtle Island. Home to the native lands of over 560 different indigenous tribes, we also honor the attempts to coexist in peace by many tribes, all of which were disrespected by the English colonists.  

As visitors and residents, we also acknowledge the native lands of the Cochimí people of what is now known as Baja California, Mexico. These skilled hunter-gatherers established territory between El Rosario and San Javier, relying on their vast knowledge of plants to sustain them. We recognize that a vibrant culture of art and language, was largely extinguished due to Spanish colonization.

Furthermore, we recognize indigenous knowledge as a foundation for agriculture, medicines, navigation and innovations across North and Central America.

While a land acknowledgement is not enough, it is an important social justice and decolonial practice that promotes Indigenous visibility and a reminder that we are on sacred land. Let this land acknowledgement be an opening for all of us to contemplate the ongoing struggles to resist colonial indoctrination through various Indigenous movements for identity, sovereignty, and self-determination. 

If you would like to find out more about the native lands you visit and inhabit, you can visit this map HERE. 

Photo by Courtney Baxter