Land Acknowledgement
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Keystone Science School
Land Acknowledgement
The land that is now known as Colorado is the homeland of many indigenous peoples.
We recognize the history of these lands and how they were wrongfully taken in violation of treaties with indigenous peoples.
The Nuunu’agaat (Ute people) were the primary inhabitants of the central Rockies, moving between the high desert and the mountains seasonally, and stewarding the land then, now, and always. Keystone Science School (KSS) is on the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Nuunu’agaat (Ute people) people and our programs utilize lands of many indigenous peoples all over Colorado. As we move through this land with our students to study the environment and its history, we encourage students to get curious and bear witness to the impacts of these cultural and environmental changes.
As KSS’ mission is to inspire curiosity and critical thinking through the lens of science, to change lives, and strengthen communities, we know this acknowledgment is only the beginning. We call on you to be curious and reflective, to be respectful, responsible, and active stewards for the lands upon which we travel, recreate, and learn. By doing so, we recognize the Indigenous peoples who call this land “home.”
The Indigenous peoples who we are aware claim Colorado as their ancestral lands include:
- Nuunu’agaat (Ute)
- Tséstho’e [Cheyenne, (sto-ey)
- Diné Bikéyah (di-NAY bi-KAY-yuh)
- People of the Seven Council Fires, (oh-chey-tee shah-koh-ween) t
Stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities
- Donate time and money to indigenous-led organizations.
- Follow Indigenous social media accounts for educational and cultural info, like @uteindianmuseum, @nativesoutdoors, @nativewomenswilderness
- Consider purchasing from Indigenous businesses!
- Tocobe – The only American Indian owned and operated restaurant in Metro Denver specializing in Native and Indigenous cuisine
- Raven Reads – Founded in 2017, Raven Reads is an award-winning Indigenous subscription and wholesale gift box company. They feature books and giftware curated from Indigenous authors, artists, and entrepreneurs from across Canada and the US.
Learn More about Indigenous People
- Know The Land Territories Campaign provides great context as to what a land acknowledgment is, why we recognize the land, and additional important things to know about acknowledgment.
- Native Land Digital and Whose Land is mapping the depth and complexity of Indigenous history on the land.
- The Indigenous Period of Colorado
- Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
- Southern Ute Indian Tribe (Ute Nations Days)
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science closure of their “North American Indian Cultures Hall”
- Crow Canyon Archeological Center
- Ute Indian Museum in Montrose, CO
Land Acknowledgement Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Land Acknowledgment?
A land acknowledgment is a way of recognizing and honoring the Indigenous peoples who originally inhabited and stewarded the land where we live, work, and play.
What characteristics make a land acknowledgment most effective?
Specificity! Explicitly acknowledging the historical and present impacts of colonialism on native people. It is important to reference specific history and acknowledge how this is relevant to our values, goals and mission, and stating our intentions toward native communities and in sharing native cultures. Naming specific indigenous groups is also best practice, instead of broad terminology.
Lastly, don’t make it about you, focus on lifting up indigenous voices past and present.
Why do we recognize the land at Keystone Science School (KSS)?
To inspire curiosity in our students, campers, and staff. Intentionally acknowledging the land helps us remember and respect the history and culture of the Indigenous peoples who were here long before settlers arrived. It is an indigenous tradition to acknowledge the land’s being, and doing so in our land acknowledgment aims to continue and honor this tradition. It’s also a way of showing gratitude for the land that we use during our programming.
Land recognition is an ongoing process. We will continue to update this page as we grow and learn more about the history of this land.
How do we share our land acknowledgment at KSS?
We customize all of our curriculum and activities to match our various programs . Our staff will use this land acknowledgment as a baseline, customizing to ensure genuine acknowledgment that ignites conversation and learning in our campers and students of a variety of ages.
List below are a few examples of when and how a land acknowledgement may be shared at Keystone Science School:
- During Camp Orientation, we’ll talk about the boundaries of KSS property and introduce the Land Acknowledgement that groups will weave into their curriculum throughout the week.
- During Adventure Trip Orientation, we’ll talk about where we are going and introduce land acknowledgment that will be built upon during a group’s adventure!
- When schools first arrive to our campus for their outdoor education field trip, we welcome them with a shorter version of our land acknowledgment and invite students to share their knowledge with their instructors throughout their trip.
How can I acknowledge the Land?
The best land acknowledgments are expressions of genuine appreciation for the land and the indigenous people who steward the land. Do your best to prepare and research (resources can be found here), speak from the heart and with sincerity.