Honoring Our Land: Acknowledging Ancestral Roots and Building Relationships

At Lake Country School (LCS), we hold a profound respect for the land we inhabit and recognize it as ancestral and traditional Dakota, Anishinaabe, and

Ho-Chunk territory. This land was ceded by the Anishinaabe in 1837 under pressure from the U.S. government, a history that shapes our present and calls us to reflect on our role in acknowledging and honoring these legacies.

A Commitment to Learning and Relationship Building

Our commitment to this land goes beyond mere recognition. We are dedicated to an ongoing process of learning about the land's history, its people, and the implications of our presence here. We strive to build meaningful relationships and implement programs, policies, and actions that address and combat indigenous erasure, honor treaties, and celebrate indigenous cultures and histories. This process is central to our mission as a school community, and we invite everyone to join us on this journey of discovery and growth.

The Land School Experience

In the fall of 2020, our Junior High students and staff embarked on an immersive week-long experience at the Land School, marking the beginning of a deeper exploration into the history and significance of the land. This experience was not just an educational trip but a foundational step in understanding the rich tapestry of relationships that have shaped and continue to shape this land.

The Timeweb Project

One significant outcome of this immersive experience is the Land School Timeweb, a project that embodies our commitment to understanding the interconnectedness of history, community, and the environment. Unlike a traditional timeline, the Timeweb illustrates that we are in constant relationship with other people and living beings, both past and present. It emphasizes that the events of the past continue to influence the land, communities, and each of us today, reminding us that history is not a series of isolated events but a web of ongoing interactions.

Moving Forward Together

As we continue to explore and learn, we are dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of the land and its history. This commitment involves ongoing education, relationship building, and the implementation of meaningful actions to honor the land and its original stewards. We welcome all members of our community to engage in this important work with us, ensuring that our actions today reflect our respect for the past and our hope for a harmonious future.

We look forward to continuing this conversation and learning together as a community, ensuring that our connection to the land is rooted in respect, knowledge, and mutual understanding.

Sources

• Dakota, Anishinaabe, and Ho-Chunk Ancestral Lands Acknowledgment.
• Historical Context of the 1837 Land Cession.
• https://wisconsinfirstnations.org/map/