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Land Acknowledgement at WCSU

This is a guide to the WCSU Land Acknowledgment adopted in Spring 2021. A land acknowledgement is a formal statement often spoken at the beginning of a public event that is taking place on land originally inhabited or owned by indigenous peoples.

When should the WCSU land acknowledgment be used?

Western Connecticut State University commits to ongoing engagement with Tribal Nations and to broadening awareness through education and recognition of the important histories of the land where WCSU stands. With this statement we seek to raise awareness and to cultivate connections and understanding throughout the University, the community, and beyond.

The statement should be read at public or private events on WCSU property such as honors convocation, graduations, athletic or special events for the University and surrounding communities. It is appropriate to include the statement in the “Welcome” to an audience in opening remarks. All the land in the state of Connecticut was once Native territory, and Danbury was the territory for multiple Native peoples, therefore the statement applies on either campus.