On October 12th we recognize Indigenous People’s Day, where we have the intentional opportunity to celebrate and honor Native American histories and cultures, and recognize the impact they have on our country. In recognition this year, we want to share the practice of Land Acknowledgement.

A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. Land Acknowledgement brings us into the historical context of our place in history and within ongoing colonialism.

Land Acknowledgement is becoming a recognized practice at the beginning of events, ceremonies, retreats, and conferences, and even for some organizations any time they convene as a community, or within their offices and workspaces. For some, Land Acknowledgement begins in the home and is shared at significant family meals.

For us in Baltimore, we are on the land of the Piscataway tribe. You can explore the heritage of the land where you are via web or phone app Native Land. For more about Land Acknowledgement explore resources from Northwestern University and the Native Governance Center, For more on our local tribes, read about the Lumbee in Fells Point and the Piscataway in Charles County.