Land Acknowledgment Statement

2020 PeopleFest! kickoff event at Staring Lake Amphitheatre

The Human Rights and Diversity Commission (HRDC) recognizes the essential contributions Native Americans have made in the history, culture and economy of Minnesota, and notably in Eden Prairie.

In partnership with Christal Moose of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota, the HRDC drafted an Eden Prairie Land Acknowledgement Statement to honor the Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited the land in Eden Prairie. A land acknowledgment is typically given as an introduction to a meeting or event as a way to welcome attendees and recognize the history of the land where the event is occurring.

Eden Prairie Land Acknowledgment Statement

It is important to acknowledge that we are gathered upon the ancestral, traditional and contemporary homelands of the Dakóta. Through treaties the U.S. government seized Ojibwe and Dakóta land in Minnesota. Specifically, signing of the treaties of Traverse des Sioux and Mendota in 1851 opened land located to the west of Ȟaȟáwakpa/Wakpá Tháŋka (Mississippi River), allowing pioneers to settle in what is now Eden Prairie.

We acknowledge this land has a complex and layered history, and pay respect to the elders who have stewarded the land throughout the generations and continue to do so. We offer this statement as a step toward healing and make a commitment to learn the history of the land Eden Prairie is built on, to recognize, support, collaborate with and advocate for Indigenous People, and to consider the convergence of legacies that bring us to where we are today.

Land Acknowledgment Statement Guide

The HRDC also created a guide groups can use at the beginning of meetings or events in Eden Prairie to recognize and respect the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.

A Land Acknowledgment is typically given as an introduction to a meeting or event as a way to welcome attendees and recognize the history of the land where the event is occurring. It can also be shared virtually or in print materials.

This guide includes three examples of Land Acknowledgment Statements that are specific to Eden Prairie. They can be used as a final product or starting point to create your own.

Option 1

Before we start this meeting/event, it is important to acknowledge that we are on ancestral, traditional and contemporary Dakóta homelands. Through treaties, the U.S. government seized Ojibwe and Dakóta land across Minnesota. Specifically, the treaties of Traverse des Sioux and Mendota in 1851 opened land west of Ȟaȟáwakpa (in Dakóta means River of the Falls), commonly known as the Mississippi River, allowing pioneers to settle in what is now Eden Prairie.

We acknowledge the painful history of unfair treaties, genocidal policies and forced removal of Indigenous people from their homeland. Through this land acknowledgment, let us begin the healing process by honoring and respecting Dakóta people still connected to the land on which we gather, and commit to learn more about the land we are settled on, to support, work with and advocate for Indigenous people.

Option 2

Before we start this meeting/event, it is important to acknowledge that we are on ancestral, traditional and contemporary homelands of the Dakóta.

In fact, Minnesota is derived from the Dakóta phrase Mní Sota Makoce, which in Dakóta means Land of the Sky-Tinted Waters. Through the treaties of 1837 and 1851, the U.S. government seized Ojibwe and Dakóta land across Minnesota. Specifically, the treaties of Traverse des Sioux and Mendota in 1851 opened land west of Ȟaȟáwakpa/Wakpá Tháŋka (in Dakóta means a Large or Great River), commonly known as the Mississippi River, allowing pioneers to settle in what is now Eden Prairie.

We acknowledge Eden Prairie is located on traditional, ancestral and contemporary Dakóta homelands. By offering this statement, we begin the healing process and commit to educating ourselves about the land we are on, recognizing, supporting, collaborating with and advocating for Indigenous People.

Option 3

Before we start this meeting/event, it is important to acknowledge that we are gathered upon the ancestral, traditional and contemporary homelands of the Dakóta. Through treaties the U.S. government seized Ojibwe and Dakóta land in Minnesota. Specifically, signing of the treaties of Traverse des Sioux and Mendota in 1851 opened land located to the west of Ȟaȟáwakpa/Wakpá Tháŋka (Mississippi River) allowing pioneers to settle in what is now Eden Prairie.

Pronunciation Guide

The Dakóta language is very descriptive when describing landscapes, bodies of water and places of significance.

By using Dakóta language we honor the place, preserve the history and acknowledge the connection of the Dakóta people to the land. If your chosen Land Acknowledgment Statement uses Dakóta language, we encourage you to make a sincere effort to use the correct pronunciation. Pronunciation resources are listed for your consideration.

Please note: Use of Dakóta words in the statement may be distracting to an audience unfamiliar with the language. If you choose to use Dakóta language in your reading, it is recommended you let the audience know what the word(s) mean. We leave the use to your discretion.

Dakóta (Dah cotah)

Meaning: Ally or friend
Hear it spoken: mnhs.org/USDakotaWar

Mní Sota Makoce (Mee knee Sota Mah koh che)

Meaning: Lands where the waters reflect the clouds; the land of the sky-tinted waters
Hear it spoken: bdotememorymap.org/Glossary

Haȟáwakpa/Wakpá Tháŋka (Ha HA Wahk paH/Wahk paH Than Ka)

Commonly known as the Mississippi River

Haȟáwakpa Meaning: River of the falls
Wakpá Tháŋka Meaning: Great river or large river

Hear it spoken: marlenamyl.es/project/dakota-land-map
(item 6 under Bodies of Water)