Why Do We Acknowledge the Land?
If you attend an event on the UC Davis campus, you likely have heard the UC Davis Land Acknowledgement statement. So why do we – and many other universities and organizations – acknowledge the land on which our buildings reside? It may be helpful to clarify the significance of land acknowledgments on this campus and beyond, which may also enhance an understanding of the UC Davis Native American Honoring Project.
We reference the distinguished Maori scholar, Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s essay, “The Significance of Land Acknowledgements as a Commentary on Indigenous Pedagogies.” She reminds us that land acknowledgements are a form of Indigenous land pedagogies whereby Indigenous peoples formally, and on principle, recognize each other’s lands. It is a long-held practice.
Excerpt from Linda Tuhiwai Smith's Essay on Land Acknowledgements
“Acknowledging the land we are standing on or speaking from is . . . a way to identify by name the nation whose territories are within this land.
[T]he land acknowledgement is the beginning or the continuation of a relationship. It begins the task of making the connection between people and places by laying out some epistemic protocols and symbols that form the basis of a relationship. It is the relationship that becomes the vehicle of change. If there is no relationship, then Indigenous communities cannot engage.
Expressing a land acknowledgement . . . is . . . a necessary reorientation to place, to the lands these institutions stand on, and to the colonial history written and witnessed on the land.
The land acknowledgement signals what ought to be a healing, restorative, and reconciliatory process that engages in institutional transformation that influences all aspects of knowledge, teaching, and research.”
Read Tuhiwai Smith's essay on the Bank Street Journal website.
UCD Land Acknowledgement Statement
The statement below was developed in consultation with the three Patwin Nations.
We should take a moment to acknowledge the land on which [UC Davis is located]. For thousands of years, this land has been the home of Patwin people. Today, there are three federally recognized Patwin tribes: Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.
The Patwin people have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries. It has been cherished and protected, as elders have instructed the young through generations. We are honored and grateful to be here today on their traditional lands.
Learn about the UC Davis Land Acknowledgement statement by visiting the UC Davis Inclusive Excellence website. To learn more about Indigenous lands – perhaps where you were born, live, or have lived – visit native-land.ca.