(List #112) 5 Examples of Business School Land Ackwoledgements
How business schools are sharing information on the history of the land they are located on.
1. Royal Roads University School of Business, Canada
“We acknowledge that the Royal Roads University campus sits on the Lands of the Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and Lekwungen (Songhees) families and ancestors. It is with respect and gratitude that we work, live, and learn on these traditional Lands. This Land was, and continues to be, part of the fabric of life of Indigenous communities. The Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and Lekwungen (Songhees) families have lived, hunted and gathered on these Lands for thousands of years. Attitudes, practices, and beliefs associated with colonization have dramatically altered Indigenous Peoples’ relationships with the Land on which Royal Roads University is located. As immigrants, immigrant-descendants and visitors to these Lands, we have a responsibility to consider our individual and collective roles in addressing and redressing damaging impacts. Actions we commit to range from respecting the people of these Lands, increasing understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and being, learning about the past and its impact on Indigenous Peoples and celebrating Indigenous cultures. As we reflect on the importance of this place, we are reminded to do this work in a way that establishes strong relationships built on reciprocity, respect and Royal Roads University's commitment to undo the legacies of colonialism, repair the effects of oppression, promote equity and to support the sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples.”
2. Tippie College of Business, USA
“The University of Iowa is located on the homelands of the Ojibwe/Anishinaabe (Chippewa), Báxoǰe (Iowa), Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Omāēqnomenēwak (Menominee), Myaamiaki (Miami), Nutachi (Missouri), Umoⁿhoⁿ (Omaha), Wahzhazhe (Osage), Jiwere (Otoe), Odawaa (Ottawa), Póⁿka (Ponca), Bodéwadmi/Neshnabé (Potawatomi), Meskwaki/Nemahahaki/Sakiwaki (Sac and Fox), Dakota/Lakota/Nakoda, Sahnish/Nuxbaaga/Nuweta (Three Affiliated Tribes) and Ho- Chunk (Winnebago) Nations. The following tribal nations, Umoⁿhoⁿ (Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa), Póⁿka (Ponca Tribe of Nebraska), Meskwaki (Sac and Fox of the Mississippi in Iowa), and Ho-Chunk (Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska) Nations continue to thrive in the State of Iowa and we continue to acknowledge them. As an academic institution, it is our responsibility to acknowledge the sovereignty and the traditional territories of these tribal nations, and the treaties that were used to remove these tribal nations, and the histories of dispossession that have allowed for the growth of this institution since 1847. Consistent with the University’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, understanding the historical and current experiences of Native peoples will help inform the work we do; collectively as a university to engage in building relationships through academic scholarship, collaborative partnerships, community service, enrolment and retention efforts acknowledging our past, our present and future Native Nations.”
3. Melbourne Business School, Australia
“The Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Melbourne, and Melbourne Business School Ltd. acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the unceded land on which we work, learn and live: the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples. We recognise the unique place held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original owners and custodians of the lands and waterways across the Australian continent, with histories of continuous connection dating back more than 60,000 years. We also acknowledge their enduring cultural practices of caring for Country. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.”
4. Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University, Canada
“McGill University is on land which long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst Indigenous peoples, including the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabeg nations. We acknowledge and thank the diverse Indigenous people whose footsteps have marked this territory on which peoples of the world now gather.”
5. KROK Business School, Ukraine
“KROK Business School honors the land it occupies. This is the territory of the glorious ancient city of Kyiv, the cradle of Slavic nations, the historical center of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine. Once the area where the Business School is located served as a defensive outpost on the approaches to Kyiv in the princely era, and later as a place for country estates of wealthy townspeople seeking relaxation and recreation. Currently, right behind the business school building is Nyvky Park, a monument of park art of national importance, covering an area of 16.5 hectares, one of the largest parks in Ukraine. Enjoying this unique location, we do not forget to care for the environment in which we reside. KROK Business School, along with the KROK University to which it belongs, has regular programs to care for the park, expressing gratitude and supporting it.”
This day last year...
Giselle Weybrecht
Thanks for reading
Giselle
P.S. Thanks for following List. If you know of another faculty or staff member who would benefit from this, please do forward it on and encourage them to sign up. The more the merrier! And as always, if you have interesting examples you would like to share, send them at any time.