Land Acknowledgement

Land Acknowledgement Statement and Guidelines for Use Senate Approved

Guidelines for Use of the Western Connecticut State University Land Acknowledgement Statement

Western Connecticut State University commits to ongoing engagement with Tribal Nations and to broadening awareness through education and recognition of the important histories of the land where WCSU stands. With this statement we seek to raise awareness and to cultivate connections and understanding throughout the University, the community, and beyond.

The statement should be read at public or private events on WCSU property such as honors convocation, graduations, athletic or special events for the University and surrounding communities. It is appropriate to include the statement in the “Welcome” to an audience in opening remarks. All the land in the state of Connecticut was once Native territory, and Danbury was the territory for multiple Native peoples, therefore the statement applies on either campus.

Approved by the University Senate 2/17/21

 

WCSU Land Acknowledgement Statement

Short Version

In recognition of truth, history, and the enduring relationship between Indigenous Peoples and their sacred lands, we acknowledge that western Connecticut is the traditional homelands of the Schaghticoke, Weantinock, and other Native Peoples. The WCSU community seeks to foster greater knowledge of Connecticut’s tribal nations, other Indigenous residents, and those forcibly removed.

Long Version

The Housatonic Valley was a site of trade, travel, and gatherings for many tribal peoples. While generations of Native Peoples have remained on this land, Euro-American colonization exiled many from their homelands, causing movement to new regions and formation of new intertribal communities. To honor and respect the enduring relationship that exists between Native Peoples and their sacred lands, we acknowledge that western Connecticut is homelands to many Indigenous Peoples, including the Mohican, Schaghticoke, Weantinock, Paugussett, Pootatuck, Pequannock, and Wiechquaesgeck.

The WCSU community recognizes this history and seeks to foster greater knowledge of Connecticut’s tribal nations.

Approved by the University Senate 4/21/21