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K-State Today

March 9, 2022

Panel discussion: 'Occupying Indigenous Land: Recognizing K-State’s History Through Land Acknowledgment'

Submitted by David Mackay

The Indigenous Faculty and Staff Alliance, in partnership with the School of Music, Theatre and Dance's IDEall committee — Inclusion, Diversity and Equity for All — announce the release of part one of the vital series "Occupying Indigenous Land: Recognizing K-State's History Through Land Acknowledgment."  

In this panel discussion, Alex Red Corn (Osage) and Lisa Tatonetti cover the basics of land acknowledgments and land-grant universities as well as: 

  • Current research at K-State to develop the land acknowledgment.
  • Current work to create a land acknowledgment template for Kansas schools. 
  • A brief introduction to K-State's Treaty Project, which explores the history of our region through primary documents about the Kaw Nation.
  • Responding to critiques of K-State’s land acknowledgment, including their focus on stolen land.
  • How do allies live the land acknowledgment? 

The recording is an excellent resource for anyone wishing to increase their understanding of land acknowledgments and settler colonialism in Kansas. It is now available via YouTube

Part two of the series, which will take place from 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, features Kaw language teacher C. Huffman (Kaw), vice president of the Native American Student Body and K-State geography researcher Chester Hubbard (Prairie Band Potawatomi), and vice chair of Kaw Tribal Council and head of the First Americans Museum James Pepper Henry (Kaw). This important event, moderated by associate professor David Mackay, will offer an in-depth discussion of land acknowledgments and the #landback movement in the essential context of Henry’s, Hubbard’s and Huffman’s lived experiences. 

Those interested should email Mackay at dbmackay@k-state.edu for the Zoom link and follow K-State Today for further details regarding Part Two in the coming weeks.