Campbell University, in partnership with the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, is creating ways to extend the University’s missional emphasis on serving the underserved by focusing on the needs of the American Indian community. The collaborative partnership is extending our reach into the American Indian community, meeting the educational needs of tribal leadership, and fostering conversation on additional way the University can serve the Commission and its constituency. In view of the deepening relationship between the University and the Commission, the Governance Committee proposes the University adopt a formal statement of Land Acknowledgement.
What is Land Acknowledgement?
Land Acknowledgment recognizes Indigenous Peoples as the original stewards of the land and respects the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.
Why do we recognize the land?
Land Acknowledgement is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to the Indigenous Peoples who lived and worked on the land for centuries and upon whose territory Campbell University stands.
Land Acknowledgement Statement
Campbell University acknowledges and honors that it is situated on the traditional territories of the Coharie and Lumbee peoples, their ancestors, and any others who occupied, lived, worked, and stewarded the territory from time immemorial. The University is committed to engaging in an active effort to cultivate relationships with Indigenous communities within and around North Carolina, and through the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs.
What are the federally or state recognized tribes in North Carolina?
North Carolina’s eight federally or state recognized tribes and four urban associations include:
Tribes:
- Coharie
- Lumbee
- Eastern Band of Cherokee
- Haliwa-Saponi
- Meherrin
- Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation
- Sappony
- Waccamaw Siouan.
Urban Associations:
- Cumberland County Association for Indian People
- Guilford Native American Association
- Metrolina Native American Association
- Triangle Native American Association
How and When to Use the Land Acknowledgement
The Land Acknowledgement may be used by administration, faculty, staff, or students as appropriate. When the Land Acknowledgement Statement is used, it must be used in its entirety. Appropriate usage might include being read aloud in class at the beginning of the semester, including it in a course syllabus, distributing it in a University publication, or disseminating it on University property by anyone who wishes to do so. While there are no requirements for the use of the Land Acknowledgment at events and gatherings, in materials, on course syllabi, or other University documents, when the Land Acknowledgment Statement is used, it should be in a manner that is respectful of the Indigenous Peoples it honors.
Pronunciation Guide
Coharie (cō hair’ ē)
Lumbee (lum’ bē)
Eastern Band of Cherokee (chair’ ă kē)
Haliwa-Saponi (hă’ lă wă – să’ pō nē)
Meherrin (mē hair’ in)
Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation (o căn nē’ chē / să’ pō nē)
Sappony (să’ pō nē)
Waccamaw Siouan (wă’ că măh / sŭ ăn)
For More Information
https://www.doa.nc.gov/boards-commissions/commission-indian-affairs