As we gather in Baltimore for the ACPA26 Convention, we acknowledge that we are meeting on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples and honor all Indigenous nations who have cared for and held relationships with this region across generations, even when those relationships were disrupted by colonization.

In alignment with ACPA’s commitment to equity, social justice, and decolonization, we recognize the ongoing presence and leadership of Indigenous communities, despite the impacts of colonization and attempted erasure. We honor their histories, contributions, relationships, and ongoing work to sustain their cultures and communities.

As a community dedicated to transforming higher education and centering the whole student, we are called to reflect critically on our practices, advocate for justice, and take meaningful action that respects Indigenous sovereignty, knowledge, and stewardship of the land. Let this acknowledgment inspire us to act and continue creating inclusive and equitable learning environments both in our work and in the spaces we inhabit.

We encourage all attendees to carry this awareness with real intention, centering care, humility, and reciprocity in our conversations, collaborations, and commitments throughout this convention and beyond.

What is a 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.

Why do we recognize the land?

To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honoring the Indigenous People who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. It is important to understand the long-standing history that has brought you to reside on the land, and to seek to understand your place within that history.

Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is a current ongoing process, and we need to build our mindfulness of our present participation. It is also worth noting that acknowledging the land is Indigenous protocol.

For more information on the process of creating a Land Acknowledgement, please see the resources below:

• A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement (via Native Governance Center): A suggested process and tips for creating an intentional statement.

• Native Land Digital: A worldwide map of Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages across the world.

• Practice the pronunciations of Native, Indigenous, and Tribal Nations. There are many resources online to assist with this and often audio clips or videos with examples.