Our Intention for the Practice of Land Acknowledgement

At JCHS there were several reasons we began practicing Land Acknowledgement. The first was to offer recognition and respect to our Tribal communities and foster ongoing action and relationships. The second (and this one felt very salient for us as a history organization) was to consistently counter the common “doctrine of discovery” narrative and support larger truth telling initiatives about the legacy of colonization – the forced removal of Native peoples from their land, their continued fight to live on their ancestral lands, and their continued stewardship.

We believe that Land Acknowledgment practice is made meaningful within the context of ongoing relationships and dialogue with Native communities. Thus, we worked with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe to develop the language we use, and we continue to partner with them on several different projects and initiatives, always hoping to continue strengthening relationships. The practice alone without deeper engagement with Native communities could potentially negate the intention.

Here are a few more resources we looked at in developing our statement:
https://usdac.us/nativeland
http://www.puyallup-tribe.com/ourtribe/Land%20Acknowledgement.php
https://nativegov.org/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment/
https://apihtawikosisan.com/2016/09/beyond-territorial-acknowledgments/

We’re always happy to talk more about any of these articles or concepts, alongside you, we are always learning.