Presented By: Department of Anthropology
Beyond Land Acknowledgments
Beyond Land Acknowledgments
Thursday, August 31, 2023
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
1010 Weiser Hall
Strolling dinner with reception to follow; this event is in-person only.
The history of American anthropology and the founding of the University of Michigan are inextricably linked to that of First Nations. In recognition of that history, both the University of Michigan and the American Anthropological Association have articulated a commitment to American Indian and Alaskan Native communities, scholars, and students as part of their institutional work to create more inclusive and diverse organizations.
One very public way in which this has happened has been the creation and performance of land acknowledgments, an act intended to raise an audience’s awareness of the colonial history that alienated local tribes from their land base and to educate audiences about the existence of these (contemporary) Indigenous communities. The proliferation of land acknowledgements has also resulted in a critical discussion of their use(s) such that the AAA stopped incorporating them into their annual meetings and other events in 2021. Because of the visibility of land acknowledgments, from personal emails to event introductions, we will begin with the debates they have provoked about tokenization, issues of recognition (of Indigenous people) and ongoing coloniality, and failures of accountability.
We invite you to join us in this discussion and our endeavor to reconceptualize land acknowledgments, their role in academic organizations and institutions, and the potential they signify. We will move beyond these moments of awareness-raising and consider other opportunities that institutions have to create a more inclusive environment for Indigenous peoples, as students, scholars, advocates, artists, stakeholders and stewards.
For questions or to request accessibility accommodations, please email anthro.exec.secretary@umich.edu.
Thursday, August 31, 2023
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
1010 Weiser Hall
Strolling dinner with reception to follow; this event is in-person only.
The history of American anthropology and the founding of the University of Michigan are inextricably linked to that of First Nations. In recognition of that history, both the University of Michigan and the American Anthropological Association have articulated a commitment to American Indian and Alaskan Native communities, scholars, and students as part of their institutional work to create more inclusive and diverse organizations.
One very public way in which this has happened has been the creation and performance of land acknowledgments, an act intended to raise an audience’s awareness of the colonial history that alienated local tribes from their land base and to educate audiences about the existence of these (contemporary) Indigenous communities. The proliferation of land acknowledgements has also resulted in a critical discussion of their use(s) such that the AAA stopped incorporating them into their annual meetings and other events in 2021. Because of the visibility of land acknowledgments, from personal emails to event introductions, we will begin with the debates they have provoked about tokenization, issues of recognition (of Indigenous people) and ongoing coloniality, and failures of accountability.
We invite you to join us in this discussion and our endeavor to reconceptualize land acknowledgments, their role in academic organizations and institutions, and the potential they signify. We will move beyond these moments of awareness-raising and consider other opportunities that institutions have to create a more inclusive environment for Indigenous peoples, as students, scholars, advocates, artists, stakeholders and stewards.
For questions or to request accessibility accommodations, please email anthro.exec.secretary@umich.edu.
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