The University of Iowa acknowledges the land that we reside on in UI Indigenous Land Acknowledgements.

UI Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

Ask Yourself

• Are you aware of the tribal land on which you are hosting an event or program?

Recommended Practices

What is a Land Acknowledgement and why do we recognize land?

A land acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationships that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. To recognize the land as 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 reside on this land and to seek to understand your place within that history. However, a land acknowledgment is only the first step in raising awareness, as well as educating yourself in regard to Native Nations and should act like the first step in a journey to a better understanding of the Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose land on which you reside. 

Watch a video about “What is a Land Acknowledgement and why is it important? video (Links to an external site.)

How does one use a Land Acknowledgement?

Land Acknowledgments should be used at the beginning of presentations, important gatherings, and other such events of importance. They can also be used in the introductory portion of a course, for example at the beginning of a semester on the first day of class or in the syllabus. A land acknowledgment can be as simple as declaring at the beginning of a presentation or event that you and your guests are on the ancestral homelands and traditional territory of whichever Native Nations had a historical presence in the area or continue to have a presence in the area today. You may go so far as to mention applicable treaties or historical events, and even to explain the purpose and intent behind your acknowledgment of the land. 

UI Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

The University of Iowa is located on the homelands of the Ojibwe/Anishinaabe (Chippewa), Báxoǰe (Iowa), Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Omāēqnomenēwak (Menominee), Myaamiaki (Miami), Nutachi (Missouri), Umoⁿhoⁿ (Omaha), Wahzhazhe (Osage), Jiwere (Otoe), Odawaa (Ottawa), Póⁿka (Ponca), Bodéwadmi/Neshnabé (Potawatomi), Meskwaki/Nemahahaki/Sakiwaki (Sac and Fox), Dakota/Lakota/Nakoda, Sahnish/Nuxbaaga/Nuweta (Three Affiliated Tribes) and Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Nations. The following tribal nations, Umoⁿhoⁿ (Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa), Póⁿka (Ponca Tribe of Nebraska), Meskwaki (Sac and Fox of the Mississippi in Iowa), and Ho-Chunk (Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska) Nations continue to thrive in the State of Iowa and we continue to acknowledge them. As an academic institution, it is our responsibility to acknowledge the sovereignty and the traditional territories of these tribal nations, and the treaties that were used to remove these tribal nations, and the histories of dispossession that have allowed for the growth of this institution since 1847. Consistent with the University’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, understanding the historical and current experiences of Native peoples will help inform the work we do; collectively as a university to engage in building relationships through academic scholarship, collaborative partnerships, community service, enrollment and retention efforts acknowledging our past, our present and future Native Nations. Native American Council I REVISED 03-05-2021

Thank you to the Native American Council for developing this statement and who continue to work with tribal nations on this statement.

Native American Council | The University of Iowa (uiowa.edu) (Links to an external site.)

Resources

• The Native American Council provides the following resources:
• Website: Native American Council | The University of Iowa (uiowa.edu) (Links to an external site.)
• UI Indigenous Land Acknowledgement: webpage (Links to an external site.) 
• Hear the pronunciation and UI Indigenous Land Acknowledgement by watching the: video (Links to an external site.)

starting at 1:48.