Dena'ina Land Acknowledgement

Honoring Dena'ina Land

We acknowledge that we gather here today on the traditional lands of the Dena'ina People of Upper Cook Inlet. For thousands of years, the Dena'ina People have been and continue to be the stewards of this land. ASD is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it is with honor and respect that we recognize all Indigenous people who live and learn in our community.

The ASD Indigenous Education Department and the Anchorage School District extend their gratitude to the Native Village of Eklutna for collaborating on this land acknowledgment. Chin'an, thank you to the Native Village of Eklutna for your continued partnership and dedication to our community.

A Land Acknowledgment 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.

A Land Acknowledgment supports achieving diversity and inclusion, which requires ongoing reflection, learning and growth. 

View this video clip from Molly of Denali, as the groundbreaking TV series introduces young ones to Alaska Native land acknowledgment.

ASD Land Acknowledgment statement PDF