Land Acknowledgement:
Council of Three Fires Nation
We humbly acknowledge that the office of Thrive Ahead Co. resides on the ancestral lands of the Council of Three Fires: the Ojibwe (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa), and Potawatomi Nations. For countless generations, these Indigenous peoples thrived and forged rich connections with this land.
The Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations formed the Council of Three Fires, a collective alliance of tribes, rooted in their shared Algonquian language and cultural practices. These nations were skilled stewards of the land, employing their extensive knowledge of agriculture, hunting, fishing, and gathering to sustain vibrant communities.
The land that now encompasses Bucktown and the surrounding areas was abundant in resources. Lush forests, pristine waterways, and fertile soil provided the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi with the means to build homes, cultivate food, and nurture their traditions. The Chicago River, once known as the ‘Wild Onion’ river due to the bountiful wild onions that grew along its banks, played a crucial role in their lives.
The Council of Three Fires inhabited this region long before European contact, nurturing a deep spiritual and cultural connection to the land. Tragically, as European settlers arrived, these Indigenous communities faced the devastating impacts of colonization, including disease, forced displacement, and the loss of their traditional territories.
Despite the immense challenges and injustices they endured, the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples have maintained their resilient spirit and continue to contribute to the fabric of our shared society. It is essential that we honor their enduring legacy, recognize their ongoing presence, and work towards meaningful reconciliation.
As we gather and work within these walls, let us remember and honor the Indigenous communities who have lived and thrived on this land for millennia. We express our gratitude to the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations, their elders both past and present, and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment of understanding, respect, and inclusion. We honor their presence and engage with their example of spirituality, community and connectedness as we serve our community and one another on their land.
What is a Land Acknowledgement? “A land acknowledgment is a written statement that acknowledges the indigenous peoples on whose land you live. Historically, they have been written in countries including Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. They are small, yet powerful statements that recognize and name Indigenous peoples. Land acknowledgments bring Indigenous voices into a historical narrative that previously erased them, and they are a first step in recognizing and honoring the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land.” (Care About Climate)
Resources:
About Three Fires Council: https://www.potawatomiheritage.com/encyclopedia/three-fires-council/
Native Land Map ( Territories, Treaties & Languages): https://native-land.ca/
Center for Native Futures: https://www.centerfornativefutures.org/
American Indian Center of Chicago: https://aicchicago.org/
Mitchell Museum of the American IndianResources: https://mitchellmuseum.org/
Mapping Chicago: https://settlercolonialcityproject.org/Mapping-Chicagou-Chicago