Land Acknowledgment

Land Acknowledgment

Brown has developed an official land acknowledgment as part of a set of commitments to build a better understanding of the relationship between the University, the Indigenous peoples of this region, and the land on which Brown is situated.

Land Acknowledgment

Brown has developed an official land acknowledgment as part of a set of commitments to build a better understanding of the relationship between the University, the Indigenous peoples of this region, and the land on which Brown is situated.

After a year-long exploration of what “land acknowledgment” means for Brown University in the context of its relationship to Native and Indigenous peoples and lands, the University adopted in May 2022 a set of commitments to establish a foundation for advancing education and broader meaningful engagement about actions and programming that Brown can pursue. 

These commitments include a formal land acknowledgment statement to recognize, honor and create a meaningful acknowledgment of the Narragansett Indian Tribe and their connection to the land on College Hill, as well as a commitment to strengthen investment in scholarship and education. Land acknowledgment often is considered as a first step in a process of truth-telling and a commitment to building understanding of, and accountability to, a history of dispossession.  

Land Acknowledgment Statement

Brown has established an official land acknowledgment for members of the community who choose to honor and recognize the relationship of the Narragansett Indian Tribe to the lands in Providence.

Commitments

Brown’s land acknowledgment is part of five commitments the University has made to establish a foundation for strengthening relationships with the Indigenous peoples of this region.

Background

Brown’s land acknowledgment was developed after a year-long exploration that included research, knowledge-building with members of our community, learning directly from the Narragansett Indian Tribe, and campus discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions provide information about Brown’s land acknowledgment, the process for developing it and resources to build further understanding of the University’s past.

About the Art: The banner images used on this site feature a traditional dance blanket of an elder of the Narragansett Indian Tribe of this region in Rhode Island (respectfully featured with permission).