Our community has asked us why Little Free Library uses a land acknowledgement, and what does it mean?
A land acknowledgement is a statement that recognizes the history and legacy of the Indigenous peoples who are the original stewards of the land on which we now stand. Land acknowledgements help create awareness of Indigenous people’s original homelands as well as the historical and present damages of colonization.
The land acknowledgement used at Little Free Library was developed with our Indigenous Library Program leadership and advisors.
“I’m so proud that Little Free Library is showing their gratitude to the original stewards of this land, currently known as St. Paul, with a land acknowledgement,” said Talia Miracle, LFL’s Indigenous Library Program manager. “This is a meaningful step towards reconciliation and recognizing the history of colonization and the trauma induced by it that affect Indigenous people today. I hope this acknowledgement inspires people to learn more about whose stolen land they’re on and to support Indigenous communities”
The land acknowledgement for our office in St. Paul, Minnesota, is as follows:
We are all on Native land. Little Free Library respectfully acknowledges that our office stands on the traditional territory of the Dakota and Anishinaabe people. This land was unjustly stolen from them through genocide and broken treaties. We support and participate in efforts to address the wrongs that continue to impact Indigenous people today. This acknowledgment is accompanied by direct action to further justice and equity, including the cooperative work between our organization and Indigenous communities through the Indigenous Library Program. We are grateful to walk alongside these community members.
Search the Native Land Digital map to uncover the traditional territories in your area and whose land you are on.