As a step toward honoring the truth and achieving healing and reconciliation with those Indigenous peoples who were affected most by the Doctrine of Discovery* and broken treaties, we acknowledge the traditional Shawnee and Myaamia (Miami) lands on which we now stand, and on which the city of Cincinnati was built. To learn more, please visit the Greater Cincinnati Native American Coalition and the American Indian Movement Chapter of Indiana and Kentucky.
*The Doctrine of Discovery is a principle of international law dating
back to the late 15th century that specifically sanctioned and promoted
the conquest, colonization and exploitation of non-Christian territories
and peoples. Hundreds of years of decisions and laws continuing right
up to our own time can ultimately be traced back to the Doctrine of
Discovery — laws that invalidate or ignore the rights, sovereignty or humanity of Indigenous peoples in the United States and around the
world.
A Land Acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. Our statement was created with guidance from our partners at the Greater Cincinnati Native American Coalition.