Land Acknowledgement

There has been an overwhelming increase of requests for assistance in composing Land Acknowledgements for institutions that inhabit or operate on this land known as Lenapehoking. This is an amazing trend, that pays tribute to the Lenape People. We have helped many establishments, as small as Historical Societies, to High Schools, to Universities.

Below is an example Land Acknowledgement that all may utilize as a base, and adjust to fit the needs of your establishment or institute. Feel free to reach out to us directly to proof read your Land Acknowledgement with notes. This offer remains, whether you utilize the below or not. The note we find ourselves expressing the most is referring to Lenape people in PRESENT tense, and refrain from using terms such as ‘WERE the lands of the Lenape’ or ‘USED TO hunt and live on’, etc.

Land Acknowledgement Base

“We acknowledge that (name of establishment) rests on Indigenous land that is part of the traditional territory of the Lenni-Lenape, called Lenapehoking.  We acknowledge the Lenni-Lenape as the original people of this land and their continuing relationship with their territory. During the colonial era and early federal period, many were removed west and north: Delaware Tribe, Delaware Nation of Oklahoma, and the Munsee Delaware of Ontario; but some also remain among the continuing historical tribal communities of the region: The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation; the Ramapough Lenape Nation; and the Powhatan Renape Nation, The Nanticoke of Millsboro Delaware, and the Lenape of Cheswold Delaware.
We recognize their historic desire for harmony among the indigenous people of this land, descendants of immigrants, and descendants of the enslaved brought here forcibly, “as long as the rivers and creeks flow, and the sun, moon, and stars shine”. We acknowledge that we work, teach, and learn here and bear responsibility to engage meaningfully in relationship with the tribal community of the Lenni-Lenape people on their homeland.”

Wanishi!