FARGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Educating and Empowering All Students to Succeed
Land Acknowledgement Statement
Fargo Public Schools respectfully acknowledges that we gather on the lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Oh-chéh-tee Sha-koh-wee), who are the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda people, and the Anishinaabe (Ah-ni-shin-nah-bay) people of this area.
Pronunciations of Words in Our Statement
Anishinaabe (Ah-ni-shi-nah-bay) Listen>>
Dakota (Da-ko-ta) Listen>>
Lakota (La-ko-ta) Listen>>
Nakoda (Na-ko-da) Listen>>
Oceti Sakowin (Oh-chéh-tee Sha-koh-wee) Listen>>
Special thank you to Tyrell Iron Eyes for the pronunications.
Rationale for Our Statement
FPS is committed to educating and empowering all our students, staff and our community to recognize the history and contributions of Indigenous People, who still live here today, and bring accurate historical memory to all with gratitude to Indigenous tribal nations.
Fargo Public Schools honored the intentionality of Indigenous People in being clear and concise with our statement, so that our entire community of learners, educators, and families will understand its message and encourage its use.
Development Process and Consultation
Fargo Public Schools also recognized the Indigenous process of consultation, and engaged regional tribal nations (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota, Standing Rock Dakota), local Native American entities (Native American Commission, Indigenous Association), and the Office of Multicultural Programs at NDSU. Support was unanimous. Fargo Public Schools was encouraged and congratulated for considering a Land Acknowledgement statement, and respect was offered for the process used. Letters of support were received from:
How can FPS use the Land Acknowledgement Statement?
The FPS Land Acknowledgement Statement may be read before important gatherings, events, or ceremonies, and may be included on school or district printed materials, as well as on plaques in buildings. All staff, students, and FPS organizational groups are welcome to use the Land Acknowledgement Statement as needed or desired.
Finally, our Indian Education Team submitted a lesson plan to the North Dakota Native American Essential Understandings, located at teachingsofourelders.org. This lesson plan will guide educators to teach about the Land Acknowledgement Statement and infuse it across all grade levels. Search for Land Acknowledge Statement in the search cue of the website.