Land Acknowledgement

We recognize that Mines sits on the ancestral land of the Cheyenne and Ute people. We come with respect for this land we are on today, and pay our respect to those from our past, present, and future who have stewarded this land throughout the generations through long-held Indigenous languages, ideas, bodies, creations, and movements. We value and respect the cultural heritage and beliefs significant to the Cheyenne and Ute people as we pay mind to the sacred and spiritual relationship that has always existed here. We also recognize the hundreds of Indigenous Nations who continue to resist, live, and uphold their sacred relations across their lands. We have a responsibility to acknowledge, honor, and make visible our past and present relationships with Native people in accordance with our values of community and inclusion.

Our Land Acknowledgement was written in collaboration with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) chapter at Colorado School of Mines and the following student members of AISES.

What is a land acknowledgement?

There are 574 federally recognized Indigenous tribes in the US, and many more that are not federally recognized. A land acknowledgement is an outward statement that calls out the ongoing presence of the Indigenous and Tribal populations whose land an institution occupies. The statement recognizes the disposition of the peoples of the land by those who visit, work, and live in a community that is not their original homeland. In addition, they should serve as a stepping stone into further, more concrete action to serve the communities whose land the institution resides on, and the Indigenous people who are still present today.

Land acknowledgments can be spoken at the beginning of events, activities, and gatherings, as well as placed in email signature lines. Making a land acknowledgment should hold respect for those indigenous to this land, and recognize their past, present, and future. Acknowledging Indigenous lands and people can start collaborative, accountable, and ongoing relationships to include conversations that lead to proactive, mutual action by those who visit, work, and live within the community.

Resources and More Information

Join the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES).
In-State Tuition at Mines: Those who hold tribal membership are offered in-state tuition classification. Find out more here.
To find out which Indigenous land you are living on, text your zip code or city, state to (907) 312-5085. You can also see a map and find more information here.
“Beyond the Land Acknowledgement“: An e-course exploring how to go beyond performative land acknowledgements into the intentional commitment of building meaningful relationships with Native community members.
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes website.
Ute Tribe website.