Land & Water Acknowledgment

Meet Minneapolis acknowledges and honors the Dakhóta Oyáte (Dakota People), who are the original stewards of the magnificent land and vibrant waterways of Minneapolis. The Dakota, as well as Ojibwe and other Indigenous people cared for the land, lakes and the Haha Wakpa (Mississippi River) for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans.

Today, this place continues to hold significant spiritual and cultural importance for the strong, resilient and growing Indigenous community in Minneapolis and Minnesota.

This acknowledgement is just the start of our journey as we continually strive to tell the rich and diverse story of Minneapolis.

  • We are creating partnerships and alliances, convening conversations, and creating increased engagement and consultation with our Native American community.
  • We are actively learning more about the true history of the Indigenous cultures, customs and narrative of this place, so that we have a more grounded foundation with which to promote Indigenous art, culture, food, places of interest, and collaborations to our customers and visitors.

We invite you to learn more about the Dakota, Ojibwe and other Indigenous people of our area, as well as the non-colonial history of Minneapolis and Minnesota.

Understanding Land Acknowledgements

What is a Land Acknowledgment?

It is a statement used to open public events and gatherings that acknowledges the traditional Indigenous lands on which the host and/or audience stands. They offer recognition, respect, and are used to call attention to Indigenous peoples while inviting others to act in solidarity rather than contribute to their erasure and dispossession. Land acknowledgments counter the “doctrine of discovery” with the true facts of the people who were already here, and are still here. Acknowledgment by itself is a small gesture. It becomes meaningful when coupled with authentic relationship, informed action, and sustained commitment.

Who is Doing Land Acknowledgments?

In the United States, the practice of land acknowledgments began with museums on the east coast and has progressively moved west over the last several years and spread to institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, and local governments. After the 2020 Oscar land acknowledgment statement by Academy Award Winning Director, Taika Waititi, the movement has received more attention, both positively and negatively. The practice of land acknowledgments has been gaining momentum in the United States.

Why do Some Community Members Not Support Land Acknowledgments?

Some folks are critical of land and water acknowledgements when the land and water acknowledgments are not followed by meaningful action. Acknowledgment without action is an empty gesture, exculpatory and self-serving. Meet Minneapolis have taken steps to help our staff learn new narratives about Indigenous people in Minnesota and become more culturally fluent in Indigenous cultures and histories. We have also created a welcoming and belonging space in our office for Indigenous community members. Lastly, we have developed authentic relationships with Indigenous community members and businesses.

Here are local, national, and international resources to help you get started on a land acknowledgement:

Honor Native Land: A Guide and Call to Acknowledgment
A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
Native Governance Center Land Acknowledgement
Beyond Land Acknowledgement Blog Series
Illuminative Land Acknowledgment Guide

Meet Minneapolis' Land and Water Acknowledgement

What was the process for creating the Meet Minneapolis land and water acknowledgment?

Meet Minneapolis was motivated by genuine respect and support for Indigenous people. Speaking and hearing words of recognition is an important step in creating collaborative, accountable, continuous, and respectful relationships with Indigenous nations and communities. We started with research in the tourism and hospitality industry, and reviewed education, government, and nonprofit organizations’ land acknowledgements. We developed a draft and reach out directly to local Indigenous community members for feedback. Their perspectives and approval were instrumental in our final land and water acknowledgement. We will continue to review our land and water acknowledgement annually to ensure that the language is still relevant.

When will Meet Minneapolis do land and water acknowledgments?

Meet Minneapolis will do land and water acknowledgements before public events, important gatherings and significant meetings hosted by our organization. We will also offer our land and water acknowledgement to groups who visit or do business in Minneapolis.

Resources to Learn More About the Indigenous Peoples of Minnesota

Meet Minneapolis Land & Water Acknowledgement Mural

Meet Minneapolis proudly presents the Land and Water Acknowledgement Mural by Autumn Cavender, a Dakota artist from the Upper Sioux Reservation. The mural honors the Dakhóta Oyáte (Dakota People),…
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Native American Resources and Organizations in Minnesota


ALL PHOTOS BY: JAIDA GREY EAGLE