By Don Rose
Vancouver Audubon Society has adopted a new land acknowledgement statement that will be shared on our bird walks, field trips, and other events. We hope that the statement will connect participants with the history and spiritual quality of the area we are visiting, promote openness to all who are attending, and inspire a feeling of respect, gratefulness, and peace while encouraging thoughts about stewardship past and present. Here is our statement:
“Vancouver Audubon Society acknowledges the Indigenous peoples whose ancestral lands we inhabit today in Southwest Washington. Tribal nations have cared for this land for generations, including the Chinook, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Nez Perce, Umatilla, and Yakama.
We acknowledge the tribes’ lasting connection to the land, water, and wildlife. As co-caretakers, we pledge to respect their legacy through cooperation and education. By fostering respect, involvement, stewardship, enjoyment, and advocacy, we aim for a sustainable future together.”
Vancouver Audubon 