Land acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is built within the traditional homelands of the Dakota people. It is important to acknowledge the peoples on whose land we live, learn, and work as we seek to improve and strengthen our relations with our tribal nations.

We also acknowledge that words are not enough. We must ensure that our institution provides support, resources, and programs that increase access to all aspects of higher education for our American Indian students, staff, faculty, and community members.

Resources

University of Minnesota

Native American History in Minnesota and the Twin Cities

Land Acknowledgements and the history of land treaties

  • Why Treaties Matter – a comprehensive and thoughtful exploration of treaties and land theft in Minnesota. For our area, we recommend you begin by reading about the 1837 land cession treaties with the Ojibwe and Dakota, and the 1851 Dakota land cession treaties
  • Where We Stand: The University of Minnesota and Dakhóta Treaty Lands – a discussion on land acknowledgements by Čhaŋtémaza (Neil McKay) and Monica Siems McKay, published in Open Rivers
  • The On Being Project Land Achnowledgement Resources – a whole host of resources dedicated to Native American culture and history in Minnesota, as well as on the practice of land acknowledgement
  • Developing Land Acknowledgements – “You need to be able to do the work. Otherwise, I don’t know if there’s meaning behind it”: Indigenous leaders from the University of Alberta share their thoughts on Acknowledgements

How to talk to children about Native American and Indigenous culture