University of Colorado Boulder Land Acknowledgment

The University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado’s flagship university, honors and recognizes the many contributions of Indigenous peoples in our state. CU Boulder acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute, and many other Native American nations. Their forced removal from these territories has caused devastating and lasting impacts. While the University of Colorado Boulder can never undo or rectify the devastation wrought on Indigenous peoples, we commit to improving and enhancing engagement with Indigenous peoples and issues locally and globally.

We will do this by:

• Recognizing and amplifying the voices of Indigenous CU Boulder students, staff, and faculty and their work.
• Educating, conducting research, supporting student success, and integrating Indigenous knowledge.
• Consulting, engaging, and working collaboratively with tribal nations to enhance our ability to provide access and culturally sensitive support and to recruit, retain, and graduate Native American students in a climate that is inclusive and respectful.

The CU Boulder Land Acknowledgement is available via the following website.

Beyond Land Acknowledgment

The Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies (CNAIS) at the University of Colorado Boulder believes that a meaningful Land Acknowledgment statement should include information about how you plan to address historical wrongs and inequities.

For instance, if you are a non-Indigenous person, you might consider acknowledging the benefits you have received in exchange for the unjust ways that lands were occupied and acquired with commitments of time, money, or service to organizations that serve Indigenous peoples in your area. CNAIS suggests that these contributions be significant, such as giving one percent of your annual salary or dedicating a little more than 1.5 hours of service per week (the equivalent of one percent of a 40-hour work week).

For more information about crafting a personal land acknowledgement and other considerations for action, visit the CNAIS website.