We Acknowledge
Parks Tacoma acknowledges that we operate on the traditional homelands of the Puyallup and Nisqually Tribes, and on lands with deep significance to other Coast Salish tribes. Coast Salish people have lived on and stewarded these lands since time immemorial and continue to do so today. We recognize that this land acknowledgement is one small step toward true allyship and we commit to uplifting the voices, experiences, and histories of the Indigenous people of this land and beyond.
Usage
From September 2022, Parks Tacoma will use this statement at all external board and staff meetings, on our website, at park events as appropriate, on park signage as feasible, and in our email signatures.
It is a way of welcoming guests while acknowledging that the only reason we can do this is because local tribes have allowed us to stay here.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is a land acknowledgement?
-
A land acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between them and their traditional territories.
-
Why do a land acknowledgement?
-
It’s an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory we live and work on, and a way of honoring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on that land from time immemorial. Acknowledging whose land you’re on is Indigenous protocol. It is also particularly important for a land-based agency like us as a way to remind others of our values.
-
How was it decided on, and by whom?
-
This statement was based on a recommendation by the Puyallup Tribe and adapted to fit the scope of Parks Tacoma’ lands. It was discussed and edited by the staff land acknowledgement team, and approved by the executive cabinet and Puyallup Tribe Historic Preservation Department.
-
What more are we doing?
-
As the statement says, it’s only a small step towards the reconciliation our country needs, but it’s an important one. Rather than just checking a box, it reminds all of us and everyone we work with that we can only do this work because local tribes have welcomed us to stay. It also acknowledges that there is more, deeper, work for us to do.
The land acknowledgement team is now working on a longer, more complex statement that goes into more of the nuance of land and belonging, and that can serve as a touchstone for our continued work of Indigenous allyship.
-
What does “since time immemorial” mean?
-
“Since time immemorial” means existing since before living memory. It is a phrase used frequently by Indigenous people to describe the history and longevity of their presence on their lands. The phrase “since the beginning of time” is also sometimes used. Our Parks Board used “since time immemorial” in their proclamation for Indigenous People’s Day 2021, which honors the presence and land stewardship of all Indigenous tribes and commits Parks Tacoma to continued partnership with them in caring for our lands and restoring equity in our communities.
-
What is “allyship”? What does it mean to be an ally?
-
If you are not Indigenous to the land you are on, you are a guest and accountable to the land and local Native Tribe/s as a beneficiary of the colonization that made it possible for you to be here. An ally is someone who aligns and connects with another individual or group to support their cause. Non-Indigenous people can choose to become allies of Indigenous people. Allyship is a continuous process that takes time and comes from actions and commitment to standing in solidarity with Indigenous Tribes.
To learn more about this process, see our learning toolkit below.
Going Beyond
As we journey toward the goal of true allyship as an agency, here are actions we can also do as individuals.
Build relationships
Building relationships is a very important aspect of standing in solidarity. Participate in educational programming offered by local Tribes, like walking trails downtown or language program videos. Visit a cultural center. Follow Tribes on social media. Attend public events (sign up for newsletters to find out about them!) Be sensitive, trustworthy, consistent and authentic. Relationships take time to grow from seedling to tree.
Act
Be accountable towards Indigenous people and communities by supporting what they are saying, aligning yourself with their struggles and speaking up when something problematic is said. Consider a financial donation, such as supporting the Puyallup Tribe language program.
Ask
Don’t presume or assume. Learn how to support what’s important to Tribes by visiting their websites. For more information about local tribes, educational opportunities, land transfers, language usage, donation and more, see the learning toolkit below.
Learning Toolkit
Looking to learn more? Here are some resources.
- Parks Tacoma proclamation on Indigenous People’s Day
- Parks Tacoma land acknowledgement posters: 8.5×11-inch and 11×17-inch
- Puyallup Tribe guidance on land acknowledgement
- Nisqually Tribe
- Fort Nisqually Indigenous Voices podcast
- Fort Nisqually Treaty War panel video series
- Pierce Conservation District Tribal Treaties Statement (an example of a longer acknowledgement)
- How to be an Indigenous ally toolkit, from California State University San Marcos
- “Beyond Land Acknowledgement: A Guide”, from the Native-led Native Governance Center
- Native American reading list, from the Puyallup Tribe
- Puyallup Tribe Language donation
- Lushootseed names for local plants
- Puyallup historical summary (Grit City Magazine)
- Puyallup land rights settlement summary (History Link)