American Indian Heritage Month is an opportunity to acknowledge and honor the vibrant tapestry of Native American communities, their traditions, and their enduring connection to the land. In this spirit, Management HQ would like to share this sample Land and Water Acknowledgement shared with us by Meet Minneapolis:
Meet Minneapolis acknowledges and honors the Dakhóta Oyáte (Dakota People), who are the original stewards of the magnificent land and vibrant waterways of Minneapolis. The Dakota, as well as Ojibwe and other Indigenous people cared for the land, lakes, and the Haha Wakpa (Mississippi River) for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans.
Today, this place continues to hold significant spiritual and cultural importance for the strong, resilient and growing Indigenous community in Minneapolis and Minnesota.
This acknowledgement is just the start of our journey as we continually strive to tell the rich and diverse story of Minneapolis.
- We are creating partnerships and alliances, convening conversations, and creating increased engagement and consultation with our Native American community.
- We are actively learning more about the true history of the Indigenous cultures, customs, and narrative of this place, so that we have a more grounded foundation with which to promote Indigenous art, culture, food, places of interest, and collaborations to our customers and visitors.
We invite you to learn more about the Dakota, Ojibwe, and other Indigenous people of our area, as well as the non-colonial history of Minneapolis and Minnesota.
Ka Vang, Vice President, Equity Diversity, Inclusion and Access at Meet Minneapolis (pictured), reminds us “it is important to remember that real understanding and support of Indigenous communities goes beyond a Land and Water Acknowledgement and need to be sustained through relationships, self-education, and amplifying Indigenous business and causes.”
MHQ invites our community to further educate and involve yourselves with the histories and present-day impacts of the Indigenous people of your area. As a community, we must strive to establish partnerships, facilitate conversations, and actively engage with the Native American community. Recognizing the pre-colonial history of the land we inhabit is essential for a comprehensive appreciation of the region’s cultural legacy.
If you are in the Minneapolis area, take some time to check out some of the many events, businesses, and restaurants where you can celebrate, support, and remember the histories of those indigenous to this country. Find more information here!
