A land acknowledgement provides opportunities for recognition of the historical and cultural significance of the Indigenous people who lived and continue to live in this region. Faculty may choose to use a land acknowledgement statement in a variety of settings while considering relevance of the language to their academic endeavors. 

This page is intended to provide historical and cultural context regarding Indigenous peoples in this region. It is for informational and educational purposes only and does not represent mandatory practice, official policy, statement or a requirement of Bowling Green State University.

Land Acknowledgment Statement for Written Delivery

Bowling Green State University and its affiliated campuses are situated in the homelands of numerous Indigenous and Native tribal nations. Our campus footprint holds many contemporary and historical ties to the Wyandot, Kickapoo, Miami, Odawa, Potawatomi and multiple other Indigenous tribal nations, present and past, who were forcibly removed to and from the area.

This area's history reveals an arterial network of complex economic and cultural significance. We recognize the stewardship, dedication and presence of those for whom the Great Black Swamp and the Lower Great Lakes region is home. Through this statement, we aim to trace the past to the present to inform current conditions. It is within BGSU's responsibility as an academic institution to disseminate knowledge about Indigenous peoples and the University’s relationships, past and present, with tribal nations and individuals. 

As such, we recognize the forced relocation of tribal nations to and from this land, and this statement reflects an effort to recognize Indigenous perspectives in understanding history and present conditions. We thank Indigenous individuals and communities who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. Acknowledgments such as this are sometimes accompanied by actions or practices in order to foster an inclusive, respectiful and sustinable community, though individuals and groups may approach this in different ways. 

Land Acknowledgment Statement for Oral Delivery

The region in which Bowling Green State University and its campuses are situated inhabit the Great Black Swamp and the Lower Great Lakes region. This land is the homeland of the Wyandot, Kickapoo, Miami, Potawatomi, Odawa and multiple other Indigenous tribal nations, present and past, who were forcibly removed to and from the area. We recognize these historical and contemporary ties in our efforts toward indigenizing history and thank the Indigenous individuals and communities who have been living and working on this land from time immemorial.

Land Acknowledgement Statement for Email Signature Lines

Bowling Green State University’s campuses are situated on the homelands of the Wyandot, Kickapoo, Miami, Potawatomi, Odawa and multiple other Indigenous nations, present and past. This statement is a first step toward fostering an inclusive, respectful, and sustainable community. For more information, visit https://www.bgsu.edu/land-acknowledgment.html

Get Connected

If you have questions or additional information, or to get involved, please contact BGSUlandack@bgsu.edu.