Episode 07: How can we engage with land acknowledgements and advocate for Indigenous comunities?
March 2024
You may have encountered land acknowledgements — formal statements that recognize the Indigenous people that originally lived on the land that we now occupy — but sometimes there’s not enough thought put into the words. In this episode, we interviewed two Indigenous voices within your U of M community: U-M Professor of Law and American Culture Matthew Fletcher as well as Heather King, Campus-as-Lab and Student Engagement Manager. Fletcher and King both provided important insights into land acknowledgements in their current form and how to go beyond land acknowledgements into meaningful action! Please check out the resources down below for opportunities to support Indigenous education, activism, and art. Thank you so much to Heather King and Matthew Fletcher for their time and contributions to the podcast!
- UMMA Exhibit (open until 2/18)! https://umma.umich.edu/exhibitions/cannupa-hanska-luger-youre-welcome/
- Library Guide:https://guides.lib.umich.edu/c.php?g=283427&p=8234907
- Native American Student Association: https://maizepages.umich.edu/organization/NASA
- Virginia Commonwealth University NAIS and initiative that Heather King referenced
- PBA Blog: https://pba.umich.edu/blog/
- PBSL Instagram (@umich_pbsl)
Episode Competencies (coming soon!)
Episode Resources
Reflection Questions:
- How have the leaders in your life used land acknowledgements and how could this be improved upon?
- What are good strategies to center Indigenous voices in your leadership?
Speaker Bio
Harrison Rhoades
Student
Harrison Rhoades is a junior double majoring in environmental studies and international studies. They are interested in addressing sustainability and climate change through international cooperation. When not in work mode, Harrison enjoys listening to music and taking walks through the Arb.
Grace Tai
Student
Grace Tai is a sophomore studying Business and Computer Science. As a person of the planet, she’s interested in sustainability and enjoys being out in nature. She’s excited to share all of the work PBSL has done this year with you!
Astrid Code
Student
Astrid Code is a sophomore in the Residential College majoring in English and Arts and Ideas in the Humanities, with a minor in Environment. She hopes to spread awareness about our planet through environmental journalism. In addition to being a Planet Blue Student Leader, she is a Senior News Editor for The Michigan Daily and enjoys playing violin in the campus orchestra.
