Land Acknowledgement

As an institution physically located in northern Illinois, we at Rock Valley College respectfully acknowledge and recognize our responsibility to the original and current caretakers of this land, water, and air:

The Peewaalia or Peoria,

the Oθaakiiwaki or Sauk, & the Meškwahki or Fox,

the Neshnabé, Bodwéwadmi or Potawatomi,

the Myaamia or Miami,

the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ or Sioux,

the Hoocąk or Winnebago, and

the Kiikaapoi or Kickapoo peoples,

and all their ancestors and descendants, past, present, and future. [We pause for a brief silence to acknowledge these unseen and honored ancestors.] Today this meeting place is home to many Indigenous and migrant peoples from all over the world, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to live and work on these homelands. We invite everyone to learn about the rich, thousand-year history of Native peoples in our region and to join us in fostering positive change by protecting our water, air, land, and diverse community. At Rock Valley College, we are committed to these efforts through sustainable practices, and courses and programs that promote understanding of Indigenous cultures. Looking ahead, RVC is dedicated to expanding initiatives that further support Native students and their communities.