Recognizing the Nacotchtank and Piscataway People, the First Residents of the land that would become the District of Columbia.
Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth. We stand on the ancestral lands of the Nacotchtank and the Piscataway People. We pay respects to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truths at any and all public events and to use such truths to guide the legacy of this Arts Commission.
The land acknowledgement was created by CAH Commmissioner Quanice Floyd with resources provided by the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, and was adopted by the Board of Commissioners on May 21, 2020. It is read at the beggining of all public meetings of the Commission.