At its recent meeting, the Undergraduate Senate (UGS) backed a petition from the Stanford American Indian Organization (SAIO) to restore land acknowledgments at campus events. These acknowledgments honor the Muwekma Ohlone tribe, the original inhabitants of the land.
Adriana Young, co-chair of SAIO, emphasized that these statements are crucial for the tribe’s fight for federal recognition. She explained that the tribe views land acknowledgments as a significant piece of their struggle.
The University decision to drop land acknowledgments was shared through a letter to some staff members, but many, including students and faculty, were left in the dark. Pauli’i Zidek, another SAIO co-chair, highlighted that even leaders in Native studies were not informed about the removal. “The land acknowledgment can be the first step. It opens the door for real action,” Zidek noted, reinforcing that recognizing history should complement meaningful efforts for change.
The UGS unanimously approved signing the SAIO’s petition, with Chair David Sengthay reflecting on the importance of reinstating something that has been part of Stanford’s history.
In addition, the UGS introduced a joint resolution to support the reinstatement of land acknowledgments, which encourages student involvement. A vote on this resolution will take place next week.
The UGS also passed two bills to confirm committee members. One bill confirmed assistant election commissioners to supervise student elections, while the other added members to the Nominations Commission.
Another key item discussed was a bill concerning collaboration with the Office of Community Standards (OCS). This bill ties continued partnership to visible progress in reforming OCS practices. Vice President Will Berriman expressed optimism for OCS reform, mentioning a meeting with interim director Professor Lawrence Marshall. He believes this is a perfect opportunity for collaborative improvements.
The conversation about acknowledging the land’s history is part of the broader dialogue on how universities engage with native communities. According to a 2022 survey by the American Indian College Fund, over 80% of Indigenous students feel that land acknowledgment is a step toward justice. While it’s just the beginning, such efforts signify a willingness to recognize and address past wrongs.
As conversations around land acknowledgment gain traction, they inspire students and institutions to think about the past and how it can shape a more inclusive future.
For more on this topic, you can explore resources like the National Congress of American Indians, which provides insights on Indigenous rights and land issues.
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