The GVSU Art Gallery would like to recognize the People of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples on whose land we are gathered. The Three Fires People are indigenous to this land which means that this is their ancestral territory. Every university is built on stolen, native land. We are guests on their land and one way to practice right relations is to develop genuine ways to acknowledge the histories and traditions of the people who originated here first, who are still here, and who tend to the land always. As we make this land acknowledgment, we know it is but an important first step, and that there are many more that we need to take when we decide to engage in the important work of social justice.

We pledge to: 
1) provide indigenous artists with the platform to share their talents, artwork, and stories
2) appropriately collect, exhibit, and care for indigenous-made artwork and objects
3) create an environment where the history and traditions of artists indigenous to this area can be recognized and celebrated

For more information on the purpose and intent of land acknowledgments, see Northwestern University's site.