Indigenous Initiatives

University of Hartford Land Acknowledgement Statement

We acknowledge that the University of Hartford resides on the historic homelands of the Poquonocks, Wangunks and Tunxis; and that what is now called Connecticut encompasses the homelands of the Wappinger, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett, Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, Nipmuc, Quinnipiac, Niantic, and Lenape, as well as other Indigenous Peoples. We honor, respect, and appreciate the relationship that exists among these communities, nations, lands, and waterways, and aspire to uphold our responsibilities according to their example of stewardship. 

How Land Acknowledgement Was Established

For many years there was interest in creating a University of Hartford land acknowledgement statement. The initiative was initially taken up by a Faculty Learning Community and took shape during the 2021-2022 academic year. Driven by the mission of indigenous acknowledgement, a group of dedicated faculty, staff, and students came together for this important purpose.

Following approval by the President's Cabinet, and along with representatives from the Golden Hill Paugussett and other local tribes, the University launched the Land Acknowledgment initiative on Monday, October 10, 2022, Indigenous People's Day.

Along with our community, support for the event was also provided by the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging, the University Interdisciplinary Studies program, the Hartt School, and the Center for Montessori Studies.

“Amplifying Indigenous Voices”

The “Amplifying Indigenous Voices” Affinity Group was formed at UHart with guidance from the Golden Hill Paugussett tribe. It's composed of faculty and staff who share a sense of identity, interest, or experiences related to Indigenous people. Through the creation of a mission statement, goals, and action items, they aim to foster a sense of community and awareness around this native land.

For more information, or to join the group, please contact Judy Wyman or Bevin Rainwater.

Mission and Goals

We, the leadership at the University of Hartford, consistent with the University’s commitment to inclusive excellence and belonging, pledge to acknowledge, uphold, and integrate into campus culture the following goals with respect to Indigenous peoples and communities.

Work with Indigenous communities to: 

• Disseminate knowledge about and amplify voices of Indigenous peoples and communities
• Foster relationships and partnerships with Indigenous peoples and communities
• Enrich academic opportunities for and about Indigenous peoples and communities
• Recognize historical legacies and current contributions of Indigenous peoples and communities
• Increase enrollment efforts among Indigenous communities

Action Items

Achieve these goals through action steps, such as:

• Consulting with local tribes, including the Golden Hill Paugussett
• Crafting, disseminating, and providing guidelines for use of a Land Acknowledgement
• Acknowledging and celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the University calendar and elsewhere as appropriate
• Supporting the creation of an affinity network
• Sustaining and expanding academic course offerings inclusive of, but not limited to, Indigenous history, religion, and cultural expression 
• Coordinating and developing annual programming during Native American Heritage Month, as well as throughout the year
• Developing and distributing campus markers to educate the campus community about indigenous plants and wildlife, and connections to the land and its Indigenous history.

Events

Information about upcoming events, photos, or Sharepoint documents will be linked here when content is available. Module used may be adjusted based upon type of info being featured.

Photos of UHart's Land Acknowledgement Ceremony