Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Land acknowledgement for Early Education

    Posted 12-03-2020 09:03 AM
    The Boston Chapter of the Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children used Native Land Acknowledgment for the first time last night at our Annual Meeting. Land Acknowledgments are used throughout society as a way of recognition of Indigenous tribes that have stewarded the area in which people live and still live today. It was event recently used at the Macy's thanksgiving day Parade and by many towns and municipalities. It is a way of tribute and not erasure of a people. This is the statement we used: "The Boston Chapter of the Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children respectfully acknowledge that we gather here tonight on territory of the Massachusett people, overlapping with the territories of the Nipmuc, Wampanoag, and Abanaki people on the land known as turtle Island. they have all stewarded this land for hundreds of generations in what is presently referred to as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex counties around the city of Boston. We acknowledge the history of genocide and forced removal from this territory, and honor and respect the diverse Indigenous people still here. We advocate that teachers of young children work to understand the history and culture of the Indigenous people of Turtle Inland(North American Continent). We will strive to adapt appropriate, anti-bias, and cultural significant curriculum that bring awareness of their presence  in Massachusetts and nationwide." It is time for early childhood to recognize Indigenous people around them and their community.

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    Craig Simpson
    Dorchester MA
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  • 2.  RE: Land acknowledgement for Early Education

    Posted 12-04-2020 09:29 AM
    Thanks for sharing this Craig.  I am going to share further with colleagues.





  • 3.  RE: Land acknowledgement for Early Education

    Posted 12-04-2020 10:42 AM
    This is a beautiful tribute and long overdue.  How do we determine exactly which indigenous groups lived in our specific area? I am currently reading the book, "Lessons from Turtle Island" and know there is a lot I still need to learn. I would love to learn about our local Native Americans and share their culture and traditions with our young children.  Perhaps NAEYC and the affiliates could help guide this and help to educate us all. 



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    Chris Bertoch
    Owner/CEO
    Annsworth Academy
    Tallahassee FL
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  • 4.  RE: Land acknowledgement for Early Education

    Posted 12-04-2020 08:47 PM
    For those who wish to see what Indigenous tribe is in the area you live go to "native land-ca" There you can find all Indigenous communities in your area.


    Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone





  • 5.  RE: Land acknowledgement for Early Education

    Posted 12-06-2020 08:42 AM

    Hi Craig,
    I use a land acknowledgement when I start adult meetings. I have told my students whose land our school is on and we have read many books throughout the school year on the Lenape and other indigenous nations and people. How did you introduce it to your class and do you do it everyday? 

    Thanks,
    Tammy



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    Tammy Dunn (she/her/hers)
    Kindergarten Head Teacher
    Little Red Schoolhouse and Elisabeth Irwin High School-LREI
    New York, New York
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