Native American Land Acknowledgment Marker installed at Governors State
By Isabella Hollingsworth-Sons, Staff Writer
As the cool air swept across campus, leaves fell from trees, the sun shone brightly over Governors State University (GovState) and the new land acknowledgment marker at the base of the bell tower Carillion on campus.
"It is a commitment to honor the past, to embrace the present, and build a more inclusive future by permanently installing this land acknowledgment marker, which is a visible reminder of our responsibility to promote understanding, to promote respect, and to dialog with Indigenous people," Dr. Cheryl Green, President of GovState, said during a recent ceremony to celebrate the land marker installation.
She addressed an intimate crowd of faculty, staff, students, and community members.
"As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, this dedication takes on even deeper significance. It reminds us that tribal sovereignty and indigenous identity are not relics of the past but living, breathing realities that continue to enrich our community today, ‘’ Dr. Green said.
The physical marker, which displays a written land acknowledgment, was carefully placed by the facilities team on the ground of the bell tower at the beginning of November, which is Native American History Month. As the campus community gathered outside to celebrate the land marker installation, the University invited local indigenous tribe members to come forward. As part of the formal ceremony, local tribe leaders sang culturally significant songs four times, bringing the music to a full circle, a sacred shape in many native cultures.
In addition to the marker, the University has started reading the acknowledgment at significant university events and plans to continue this practice. Dr. Joi Patterson, Chief Diversity Officer at GovState, has led the charge in recognizing native culture on campus and organizing the ceremony.
"This Native American landmark ceremony embodies the essence of this acknowledgment. By designating the property of Governor State University as part of the indigenous ancestral territory, we not only honor the enduring connection of native communities to the land but also challenge the narrative of colonization," Dr. Patterson remarked to the crowd.
"This ceremony serves as an educational opportunity for nonnative attendees, fostering awareness about Indigenous history's complexities and the land disposition's ongoing impact. Through this collective act, we aim to pave the way for healing and reconciliation."
GovState student Rojean Kope, an Interdisciplinary Studies and Communication minor, is also a member of the Navajo Nation. She read the landmark statement.
“Governors State University in University Park occupies land that was originally the ancestral homelands of various Native Nations, including the Bodwewadmi, Kaskakia, Peoria, Myaamia, Ochethi Sakowin (Sioux), Kiikaapoi, and many others. As an institution dedicated to education and trust, we acknowledge that this land was unjustly taken from Native inhabitants. The original Native peoples held these lands sacred for thousands of years, and they remain important to the Native communities today.”
“Governors State University resides on land cherished by past, present, and future generations of local Native peoples. We recognize and respect the many thriving Native communities in the Chicagoland area, home to one of the largest urban Native populations, representing over 175 Tribal Nations.”
Rojean celebrated her inclusion in this event.
"I am honored to be part of this historical event showcasing Native American history of the past, present, and future."
Following the ceremony, all attendees were invited inside the main building to celebrate through crafts, singing, dancing, and ethnic food with workshops provided by the American Indian Center of Chicago.