NDSU Land Acknowledgement

We collectively acknowledge that we gather at NDSU, a land-grant institution, on the traditional lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda) and Anishinaabe Peoples in addition to many diverse Indigenous Peoples still connected to these lands. We honor the land and commit to building strong, mutually beneficial, trusting, and respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

Land Acknowledgement FAQ's

A Land Acknowledgement is a statement that recognizes and honors the Indigenous Peoples who have longstanding connections to the lands on which we live, learn, and work. Land acknowledgements raise awareness of Indigenous histories, cultures, and the relationship between Tribal Nations and their ancestral homelands.

For NDSU, the land acknowledgement serves as a reminder of the Indigenous Peoples connection to this region and reflects the university’s commitment to fostering respectful relationships with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. It is one way NDSU recognizes the history of these lands while supporting ongoing dialogue, partnership and collaboration.

Faculty, staff and students are welcome to use our Land Acknowledgement when deemed appropriate at the beginning of events, gatherings and programs. The acknowledgement should be used thoughtfully and in a manner that fosters understanding and respect for Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Nations. While it is an important expression of recognition, NDSU’s commitment is demonstrated through ongoing relationships, collaboration and partnership with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities.

Pronunciations in Land Acknowledgement:

Anishinaabe: ä-ni-shi-ˈnȯ-bā

Dakota: də-ˈkō-tə

Lakota: lə-ˈkō-tə

Nakoda: nä-kō-da

Oceti Sakowin: oh-shay-tee Shaw-ko-ween

A group of Indigenous faculty, staff, students, and Indigenous allies developed the Land Acknowledgement. The group sought significant feedback from Indigenous people on campus and in the surrounding community. The group consulted the Fargo-Moorhead Native American Commission for feedback. The statement was finalized in November of 2020 by a committee appointed by President Bresciani. It was deemed by the committee to be a living statement that could be revisited and refined over time.

Native American Resources

Visit the Center for Community and Belonging for additional Native American resources.

Memorial Union Rooms

In 2021, as recommended by a committee of Native American faculty and graduate students, the following rooms in the Memorial Union were named, as a way to show respect and recognize Indigenous People in our community.

Pronunciations:

Anishinaabe Theater: Pronounced uh-NISH-ih-nah-bay, honoring the Ojibwe/Anishinaabe people.
Oceti Sakowin Ballroom: Pronounced oh-CHEH-tee-shah-KOH-win, meaning the Seven Council Fires of the Great Sioux Nation.
Hidatsa: Pronounced hih-DAHT-sah.
Nueta: Pronounced oo-EH-tah or nway-tah (historically known as the Hidatsa-associated Mandan term).
Sahnish: Pronounced sah-NISH, representing the Arikara people.

WIND (Working in Native Directions)

Visit American Indian Public Health Resource Center for more information on WIND.

NDSU Land Acknowledgement