UNM Land, Labor, and Immigrant Acknowledgements
UNM Indigenous Peoples' Land and Territory Acknowledgement
Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico sits on the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Sandia. The original peoples of New Mexico — Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache — since time immemorial, have deep connections to the land and have made significant contributions to the broader community statewide. We honor the land itself and those who remain stewards of this land throughout the generations and also acknowledge our committed relationship to Indigenous peoples.
We gratefully recognize our history.
Developed by the Special Assistant for American Indian Affairs to the UNM President in consultation with the Native American Faculty Council.
Approved and adopted by President Garnett S. Stokes, February 2020
UNM-Taos Indigenous Peoples' Land and Territory Acknowledgement
The University of New Mexico-Taos sits on the traditional homelands of the Red Willow People of Taos Pueblo. The original peoples of current-day New Mexico Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache since time immemorial, have deep connections to the land and have made significant contributions to the broader community statewide. We honor the land itself and those who remain stewards of our committed relationship to Indigenous peoples. We gratefully recognize our history and work to maintain healthy, fruitful relationships with our neighbors for generations to come.
UNM-Gallup Indigenous Peoples' Land and Territory Acknowledgement
Founded in 1968, The University of New Mexico-Gallup sits on the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Zuni Nation and Navajo Nation. The original peoples of New Mexico — Pueblo and Navajo — since time immemorial, have deep connections to the land and have made significant contributions to the broader community statewide. We honor the land itself and those who remain stewards of this land throughout the generations and also acknowledge our committed relationship to Indigenous peoples. We thankfully recognize our history, strive to build robust relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous peoples, and commit to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment with respect, understanding, and appreciation of all.
Statement Acknowledging the Labor and Sacrifices of Black Americans
At UNM, we respectfully acknowledge the traumatic history of brutality against and forced labor by Black Americans who have advanced our country. We are indebted to the enslaved and exploited descendants of the African continent whose sacrifices established our U.S. infrastructure and economy, advanced civil rights, and continue to influence popular culture, agriculture, the sciences, health care, and all aspects of society. We are obligated to continuously recognize, and repair historic and current systemic oppression and injustices placed on Black Americans. We are grateful to them and their ancestors; without them, we would not be where we are today.
Developed by UNM First-Year Students enrolled in Black Minds Matter, Fall 2022
Honoring Immigrants in The United States
The United States of America is a country that is built on the strength of immigrants that came here, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Whether they look or speak differently from us, we will do our best to understand, respect, appreciate, and value their cultures and contributions, with the ultimate goal to welcome them and elicit their potential for the betterment of all societies.
Developed by Professor Julia Wai-Yin So, UNM Valencia and UNM DEI
References
- Land Acknowledgment Brown Paper [PDF]
- Land Acknowledgement White Paper [PDF]
- Territory Acknowledgement
- A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
Authors of the Land Acknowledgment
We gratefully recognize the authors of the White Paper and the Land Acknowledgement:
- Dr. Lorenda Belone, Health Exercise & Sports Science
- Dr. Jennifer Denetdale, American Studies
- Dr. Kimberly Huyser, Sociology
- Dr. Lloyd Lee, Native American Studies
- Dr. Tiffany Lee, Native American Studies
- Dr. Glenabah Martinez, Language, Literacy & Sociocultural Studies
- Dr. Robin Minthorn, ED LEAD & Native American Studies
- Dr. Leola Tsinnajinnie, Native American Studies