Why do we have a land acknowledgment statement?

Countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and many U.S. tribal nations, and various universities, including University of Illinois, Michigan State, and the University of Denver, open events and gatherings by acknowledging the traditional Indigenous peoples of that land. The acknowledgment is a way of offering respect to traditional Indigenous citizens, both those who have come before and those currently living here; correcting the practice of erasing Indigenous people’s history; and recognizing that Indigenous peoples are still a vital part of our country’s lands and future. Land acknowledgments move us towards reconciliation and the decolonization of Indigenous cultures.

When do I read the land acknowledgment statement?

Read the land acknowledgment statement at any full day or multi-day event hosted on the Fort Collins Colorado State University Campus or when hosting or facilitating an official CSU event.

Who can read the land acknowledgment statement?

Anyone who treats the land acknowledgment statement with respect and can communicate the significance of the statement can read it. Who reads the statement must be respectful which means: practice reading it prior, read with sincerity, read with intention and purpose, and avoid rushing through it. The significance of the statement is achieved through ensuring your audience is attentive, asking participants to hear the message through our framing, deliver the message with attention to tone, emphasis and pacing.