Land Acknowledgement
What is a land acknowledgement statement?
A land acknowledgement is a formal statement, usually presented at the beginning of public events and gatherings to recognize and honor the land upon which the Institution was built as well as the Indigenous peoples who have and continue to cultivate relationships within their homelands.
Why does Miami University have a land acknowledgement?
Miami University maintains a strong reciprocal relationship with the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. Our land acknowledgement exists to reaffirm the Myaamia people’s deep connection to their homelands and our commitment to each other.
Miami University's Land Acknowledgement
Miami University is located within the traditional homelands of the Myaamia and Shawnee people, who along with other indigenous groups ceded these lands to the United States in the first Treaty of Greenville in 1795. The Miami people, whose name our university carries, were forcibly removed from these homelands in 1846.
In 1972, a relationship between Miami University and the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma began and evolved into a reciprocal partnership, including the creation of the Myaamia Center at Miami University in 2001. The work of the Myaamia Center serves the Miami Tribe community and is dedicated to the revitalization of Miami language and culture and to restoring that knowledge to the Myaamia people.
Miami University and the Miami Tribe are proud of this work and of the more than 140 Myaamia students who have attended Miami since 1991 through the Myaamia Heritage Award Program.
How Was It Created?
The specific wording in Miami University’s Land Acknowledgement is the result of an intentional, collaborative process with the Myaamia Center and with review and approval from the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.
How Can I Use It?
The Miami University land acknowledgement is available for those wishing to use it.
- Read it aloud during the first day of class and/or add it to your syllabus
- Read it aloud before a public meeting.
- Use the approved shortened version in your email signature
Can I Make My Own Land Acknowledgement?
No, only this published land agreement or the approved shortened email signature version should be used. The land acknowledgement stated on this page was written and approved with great care and consideration.
Where Can I Learn More?
"Acknowledgment is a simple, powerful way of showing respect and a step toward correcting the stories and practices that erase indigenous people's history and culture and toward inviting and honoring the truth."
"Acknowledgment by itself is a small gesture. It becomes meaningful when coupled with authentic relationships and informed action. But this beginning can be an opening to greater public consciousness of Native sovereignty and cultural rights, a step toward equitable relationship and reconciliation."