WCLS Land Acknowledgement
We are on the ancestral territory of the Nooksack, Lummi and other Coast Salish peoples.
They are the original inhabitants of this place. They are fishers, hunters, gatherers and harvesters of nature’s abundance, and have been so since time immemorial.
We are neighbors and friends, and we are grateful for our numerous opportunities to learn, live and grow together, building lasting relationships so that all may prosper.
Land Acknowledgements honor the land itself and pay respect to the Indigenous communities who have occupied and stewarded it since time immemorial. WCLS staff spent a great deal of time thoughtfully considered the scope, intent, and language of the Land Acknowledgement when it was introduced in 2022. In the years since, we have continued to consider its intent, modifying the language for simplicity and comprehension, clarifying its use, and focusing on actions that demonstrate our commitment. We are grateful for significant counsel from our Indigenous partners, including WCLS cultural liaisons who are members of Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Tribe.
Examples of WCLS actions include:
- WCLS hires cultural liaisons who bring library services to tribal communities and develop programs to create understanding and to strengthen connections.
- WCLS celebrates Indigenous cultures with the community at large through our programs and collection of materials, including Since Time Immemorial kits and People of the Salish Sea curriculum kits.
Our intent is to demonstrate WCLS’s sincere commitment to building lasting relationships with our Indigenous communities so that all may prosper.
ABOUT OUR LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ART: “Cedar People” was created by Jason Allen LaClair — Sienum — Lummi Nation/Nooksack Tribe. He says: “The moon in the center brings balance to Mother Earth as women bring balance to our families. The cedar boughs represent the tribes of Whatcom County, as they represent life.” Jason’s art will be featured on Land Acknowledgement signs at each branch and on WCLS library cards.
For more information:
United States Department of Arts and Culture: HONOR NATIVE LAND: A GUIDE AND CALL TO ACKNOWLEDGMENT