University Land Acknowledgment
What is a Land Acknowledgment?
A Land Acknowledgment 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” -Northwestern University
Why is a Land Acknowledgment Important?
“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.” -Laurier Students' Public Interest Research Group
University Land Acknowledgment
We pause to acknowledge that Molloy University is located on lands once home to Indigenous Peoples, including the Lenape, the Montaukett Indian Nation, and Indigenous Peoples who resided in the Massapequa, Merrick, and Rockaway territories. We recognize the long and complex history that has brought us to these lands, and we seek to understand the ongoing impact of settler colonialism and its influence on the cultures and heritages of Indigenous Peoples. We remember and acknowledge our connections to Indigenous Peoples and appreciate the opportunity to live and learn on this land. We honor Indigenous Peoples of the past, today, and generations to come.
Molloy University would like to thank Sandi Brewster-Walker, member of the Montaukett Indian Nation, and Dr. John A. Strong, American historian, who helped us with our Land Acknowledgment.
Do you have questions or comments about our Land Acknowledgement? If so, please contact DJ Mitchell, Vice President for Mission Integration and Inclusion, at dei@molloy.edu.
Resources
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Ways to use the University's Land Acknowledgment
- Begin University events with the Land Acknowledgment.
- Place the Land Acknowledgment in your email signature.
- Place the Land Acknowledgment in your syllabi.
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Learn More
Indians & New York State: Important Resources (University of Buffalo, University Libraries)
Indigenous Peoples of Long Island (Eastern Suffolk BOCES)
Indigenous Peoples of Long Island and New York (Bklyn Public Library)
L.I. Indian Prehistory & History (Patchogue-Medford Library)
- Organizations