Cosumnes River College Honors Native American Heritage Month

In November, we observe National Native American Heritage Month – a time to honor the rich cultures, languages, histories, and enduring resilience of Native American Nations. We recognize the sovereignty and invaluable land stewardship practices of Tribal Nations and reflect on Sacramento’s history, which includes the dispossession, challenges, and resilience of present-day Tribal citizens not only in this region but also across the United States.

Cosumnes River College takes this moment to share the official Land Acknowledgement Statement, which has been carefully crafted in consultation with local Tribes to pay respect to the Tribal Nations. We encourage everyone to reflect on this statement and recognize the history, resilience, and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples.

"We acknowledge the land currently occupied by Cosumnes River College as the traditional home of the Miwok and Nisenan people. These sovereign people have been caretakers of the area since time immemorial. The state of California is home to more than 110 Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, representing the most diverse set of tribal nations anywhere in the United States. Despite centuries of genocide and occupation, the Miwok and Nisenan people continue as vibrant and resilient federally recognized tribes, bands, and rancherias. The waters of the Sacramento, American, and Cosumnes Rivers have nourished Miwok and Nisenan tribal communities with cultural and dietary sustenance throughout time. ‘Cosumnes’ of Cosumnes River derives from the Plains Miwok language. Stemming from the words "kosumu," meaning salmon and "umne," meaning the place of, it translates as "The Place of the Salmon." Today, we celebrate our Miwok and Nisenan tribal neighbors as the ancestral stewards of this land and honor their sustained existence. It is with their blessing and continued guidance that Cosumnes River College seeks to provide an accessible, equitable, and principled institution of learning."

This month and throughout the year, we are committed to honoring Tribal sovereignty and to continuing our work to establish and maintain legal and ethical relationships with local Tribal Nations. We also support our American Indian and Alaskan Native students and employees.

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