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Land Acknowledgment Statement for Annual Conference in Port Huron

As those in the library profession gather to learn and work together, we wish to recognize the Ojibwe, Odawa, Bodewadmi, Wendat and the Neutral Nation, whose traditional land we are gathered upon today.

To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation, and also a way of honoring the elders and native inhabitants, both past and present, who have lived and worked on the land from time immemorial. We recognize the painful history of genocide, displacement, migration and settlement that brings us together.

MLA is dedicated to improving community relationships and making our organization a more supportive and inclusive place for Native and Indigenous voices and perspectives. We encourage everyone to learn the histories of this land, to look at who has and does not have access to its resources, and to examine your own place, abilities, and obligations within this process of reparative work that is necessary to promote a more equitable and socially just world.

To learn more visit these websites:

https://phahpa.org/2018/02/24/an-account-of-native-american-activity-in-port-huron-and-st-clair-county-michigan/

https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/young-gull-lost-chapter-local-history/

https://www.cmich.edu/docs/default-source/academic-affairs-division/libraries/clarke-historical-library/explore-online/native-american-materials/excerpts-and-annotations/20211011_nativeamericanmaterials_farrand-_mrs_b_c_pg430-439_031e75ff57a-eae8-4d3e-8fa5-01d0c3308745.pdf?sfvrsn=eae0b149_6

Port Huron citizens have created a petition asking the Port Huron Board of Education to consider changing the mascot of Port Huron High School. The current mascot is considered by many Native people to be an offensive stereotype, and, because very few Port Huron residents are Native themselves, the people being harmed by the presence of the mascot are for the most part not the people making use of it. Funding may be available to cover changing the mascot and minimize the cost to the school. If you are interested in learning more or participating, the petition can be viewed at https://www.change.org/p/port-huron-board-of-education-change-the-mascot-for-port-huron-high-school.