We acknowledge that San Francisco State University’s campus recreation takes place on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone, the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. The Ramaytush Ohlone, as the indigenous stewards of this land, have upheld their sacred responsibilities, never ceding nor forgetting their role as caretakers of this place and all who reside within their traditional territory.
As visitors and beneficiaries of their ancestral territory, we extend our deepest respects to the Ramaytush Ohlone ancestors, elders, and community members. We honor their ongoing stewardship and sovereignty as the First Peoples of this land.
This land acknowledgment serves as a humble acknowledgment of the past and ongoing presence of Indigenous peoples in the area and reflects our dedication to building respectful relationships with them.
By acknowledging the land and its Indigenous stewards, we aim to contribute to reconciliation efforts and foster a deeper understanding of the land's history and the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples to our community.
For further information on the Ramaytush Ohlone, please visit Ramaytush Ohlone's website. The Association of Ramaytush Ohlone - Home
Our Commitment
At SFSU Campus Recreation, we acknowledge and honor the ancestral land of the Ramaytush Ohlone people, the original stewards of the San Francisco Peninsula. Our commitment involves:
Before events, activities, and programs we respectfully recognize the Ramaytush Ohlone people, ensuring their ongoing presence and contributions are acknowledged, spoken, and reflected upon.
We prioritize educating ourselves and our community about Indigenous history, culture, and traditions, by fostering discussions on Indigenous sovereignty and contemporary issues.
Creating an inclusive and respectful environment celebrating diverse cultures and valuing Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and practices.
Pledging support for initiatives promoting the well-being and rights of Indigenous communities while advocating for cultural preservation.
Engaging meaningfully with Indigenous communities and continually improving practices to honor the land and its original caretakers.
Why Land Acknowledgements Are Important
Land acknowledgments are vital as they recognize and honor the indigenous people who have historically inhabited and cared for the land on which events, gatherings, or developments take place. They serve multiple purposes:
They offer a chance to educate, begin dialogue, and acknowledge the history of colonization, dispossession, and the ongoing effects of these actions on indigenous communities. By recognizing this history, we acknowledge the resilience and endurance of indigenous peoples despite centuries of marginalization.
Land acknowledgments express respect for the indigenous cultures, traditions, and spiritual connections to the land. They also show gratitude for the stewardship and wisdom that indigenous communities have displayed in caring for the land for generations.
They provide an opportunity for education and awareness-raising about indigenous history, cultures, and ongoing struggles. This helps in fostering a more inclusive and informed community that understands the complexities of colonial history and its impact on indigenous people.
Land acknowledgments can be a step toward reconciliation by encouraging dialogue, understanding, and partnership between indigenous and non-indigenous communities. They contribute to healing the wounds caused by historical injustices and promote a more equitable future.
In some cases, land acknowledgments are part of legal obligations or treaties that recognize indigenous land rights. Honoring these acknowledgments is a step toward fulfilling these obligations.
In essence, land acknowledgments are a way to actively recognize and respect the indigenous presence on the land, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society that values the histories, cultures, and contributions of indigenous peoples.
For further information on why Land Acknowledgements are important, please visit Native Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian website.
Honoring Original Indigenous Inhabitants: Land Acknowledgment | Helpful Handout Educator Resource