This is Dena'ina ełnena.
Anchorage is Dena'ina homeland.
Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement recognizing the Indigenous people of a place. It is a public gesture of appreciation for the past and present Indigenous stewardship of the lands that we now occupy.
Land Acknowledgement opens a space with gratefulness and respect for the contributions, innovations, and contemporary perspective of Indigenous peoples. It is an actionable statement that marks our collective movement towards decolonization and equity.
View the resolution of the Anchorage Assembly designating language for an official land acknowledgement statement to recognize and honor the traditional lands of the Dena’ina Athabascans.
Land Acknowledgement supports achieving diversity and inclusion, which requires ongoing reflection, learning and growth. The resources offered here reflect some of the ways the Anchorage Museum is examining histories of inequity and inviting critical thinking, dialogue and change.
View this video clip from Molly of Denali, as the groundbreaking TV series introduces young ones to Alaska Native land acknowledgement.
View this booklet about how you can consider and use Land Acknowledgement.
Scroll down for more about Dena'ina people and culture, the museum's Land Acknowledgement projects and resources to access from home.