Land Acknowledgement Plaque Ceremony

April 1, 2022

• Thank you for being here and participating in the formal
  adoption of the Land Acknowledgement Statement at Oakland
  University.
  
  
• We gather today to honor our Native American ancestors whose
  ways of knowing demonstrated reverence and respect for the
  land on which Oakland University now stands.
  
  
  • And by our statement, we are committed to elevating our
    ways of knowing to better reflect the sustainable practices
    and peaceful coexistence at the heart of Native American
    culture…values that will sustain and help our beloved
    university to thrive.
    
    
• The statement was approved by the OU Senate on February 18,
  and the OU Board of Trustees at their April 8 meeting.
  
  
• And, as many of you know, universities around the state and
  country have issued similar land acknowledgement statements.
  
  
• But let me be clear: The words etched in this plague at Oakland
  University are by no means simply words.
  
  
  • The statement is a step.
    
    
  • But it cannot be the only step.
    
    
  • The statement cannot be seen as our attempt to “check a
    box” when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion.
    
    
  • It must be backed up by an honest and intentional strategy
    to further transform the diversity at Oakland.
    
    
  • Quite simply, the Land Acknowledgement Statement must
    be about policies, not politics.
    
    
  • And… it must be considered as more than a statement, it is
    an implicit challenge.
    
    
• The statement references the past, but the statement must
  reflect our actions in the present, and our commitment to
  honoring and acknowledging Native peoples who have been
  historically marginalized from American institutions, politics and
  academic curriculums.
  
  
• Making a college education more accessible and affordable to
  Native communities is part of showing our commitment… and
  so, too, is supporting Native American students in their higher
  educational journey…. And also including Native Americans
  among our faculty…and developing indigenous studies
  programs.
  
  
• Thank you to the faculty, students and administrators who
  collaborated to draft the Land Acknowledgement Statement.
  
  
• This statement is the work of many passionate and dedicated
  people. I know I’m going to miss a few – and I apologize for that
  – but I’d like to call out a few for their effort and commitment:
  
  
  • Andrea Knutson (Assoc. Professor, English Dept.)
    
    
  • Ashleigh Dubie (Cherokee, English/STEP, student)
    
    
  • Megan Peiser (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Asst.
    Professor, English Dept.)
    
    
  • Mozhgon Rajaee (Asst. Professor, Health Sciences)
    
    
  • Kevin Corcoran (former Dean, College of Arts and
    Sciences)
    
    
  • Cynthia Miree-Coppin (Faculty Diversity Equity and
    Inclusion Committee)
    
    
  • Joi Cunningham (Provost’s Office)
    
    
  • …and the OU Senate committee chaired by Jason
    Wasserman
    
    
• Again, thank you to the faculty for driving this initiative, pushing
  for greater recognition and equity for Native peoples, engaging
  in our broader community, and for being invaluable partners in
  the ongoing development of our university.
  
  
• And, as we strive to make sure the words in the Land
  Acknowledgement Statement are backed by actions…I’d like to
  announce the designation of an Anishinaabe historical site for
  Oakland University…..The parcel of land is located on south
  campus near Library Drive, south of Pioneer Drive.
  
  We are honored that we can designate the site, and look forward
  to an ongoing friendship with the Anishinaabe people.