Emerson College Library: National Native American Heritage Month: Home

Emerson College's Land Acknowledgement

Emerson College, Boston, resides on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Massachusett people, whose name was appropriated by this Commonwealth. We pay respect to the Massachusett elders past and present. We acknowledge the truth of violence perpetrated in the name of this country and make a commitment to uncovering that truth.

Massachusetts and Los Angeles Native American Tribes

Massachusetts Tribes

While only two tribes in Massachusetts are federally recognized, the state of Massachusetts has also recognized the tribal rights of the Nipmuc Nation. We provide the link to the Massachuset tribal website to honor and recognize the tribal land on which our main Boston Campus has been built on.

Massachuset Tribe
The Massachuset tribe are the descendants of the original people that the English Invaders first encountered in what is now the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The current Massachuset tribe are the descendants of the Neponset band of the Massachuset who were at the time of the English Invasion early in the 17th century led by the Great Sac’hem, Chickataubut.
Nipmuc Nation
It is the sacred mission of all the members of our community to preserve and promote the culture, language, and values of the Nipmuc People, while striving to improve the quality of life for all our citizens, including the generations to come.
Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)
For over ten thousand years the Wampanoag have inhabited the island of Noepe. When the first Europeans dropped anchor off our shores in the 1500s - just before the Pilgrims - we numbered three thousand or more. To this day we still occupy our aboriginal land of Aquinnah and count 901 members, about 300 of whom live on the Island.
Chappaquiddick Wampanoag
The Chappaquiddick Wampanoag Tribe is a historical Massachusetts tribe. Its ancestral homelands are Chappaquiddick Island, Cape Poge, and Muskeget. We have over 325 enrolled members, but estimate over 500 Chappaquiddick are within these families.

Los Angeles Campus

The ELA campus was built on the ancestral lands of the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe and the Chumash Nation. While ELA does not have an official land acknowledgement, there are links below to learn more about the Indigenous Peoples of the LA area.

Costal Band of the Chumash Nation
Our Ancestors lived and thrived in these areas for thousands of years. Chumash people occupied present day San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Malibu and The Channel Islands. Chumash territories ranged from our coast and islands to the interior lands and mountains.
Gabrielino-Tongva Indian Tribe
Gabrielino-Tongva villages were located in the Los Angeles Basin for thousands of years. These villages were located near and around the ever changing Los Angeles River, San Gabriel River, Santa Ana River and the coastal areas. They are currently not federally recognized but have been recognized by the state of California.
Mapping Indigenous LA, a UCLA Project
Following indigenous protocols of recognizing the original inhabitants of Los Angeles, we would like to acknowledge Gabrielino Tongva (Tongva) and the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians on whose lands we live as we put together this resource. Mapping Indigenous Los Angeles aims to uncover and highlight the multiple layers of indigenous Los Angeles through a storymapping project with youth, community leaders, and elders from indigenous communities throughout the city. The website resulting from this collaborative research makes visible the rich Indigenous identities and histories that are often hidden within other racial formations yet deeply embedded in the history of Los Angeles.

Native American Heritage Month Federal and Local Resources

Native American Heritage Month has been federally recognized since 1990, though many colleges, states and organizations today are also choosing to honor Indigenous Peoples' Day on the second Monday of October. To read more about how Federal and Local organizations are honoring Native American Heritage Month, follow the links below.

National Park Service Statement
During National Native American Heritage Month, we will explore the heritage, culture, and experience of Indigenous peoples both historically and in American life today, while also sharing the various ways the National Park Service collaborates with Indigenous communities.
Library of Congress Native American Heritage Month Guide
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Commission on Indian Affairs
Indian Affairs fundamental role is to assist Native American individuals, tribes and organizations in their relationship with state and local government agencies and to advise the Commonwealth in matters pertaining to Native Americans.
Native Land Digital
Native Land Digital strives to create and foster conversations about the history of colonialism, Indigenous ways of knowing, and settler-Indigenous relations, through educational resources such as our map and Territory Acknowledgement Guide.
If you're curious about which Native Lands your home or business was built on, this website is a great resource to learn more.

National Native American Heritage Month

Local Native American Run and Founded Organizations

Indigenous Liberation Speaker Series

Emerson College's Land Acknowledgement

Massachusetts and Los Angeles Native American Tribes

Massachusetts Tribes

Los Angeles Campus

Native American Heritage Month Federal and Local Resources