Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth.

​

We would like to acknowledge that the University of North Carolina Wilmington is located on the traditional territory of the Catawba People and has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst many Indigenous peoples for over 12,000 years.  We honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this territory that we now occupy, and what is now defined as the state of North Carolina, including the Coharie, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Saponi, Haliwa Saponi, Waccamaw Siouan, Sappony, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee. This land acknowledgment is to pay respect and honor the elders of the Indigenous People and Nations both past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today (USDAC, n.d.).

 

U.S. Department of Arts and Culture. (n.d.). Honor Native land guide. https://usdac.us/nativeland