Land Acknowledgment

The Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative acknowledges our presence on the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the Pokagon Potawatomi peoples, the Miami peoples, the Peoria peoples, the Kickapoo peoples, the Haudenosauneega peoples, and other Indigenous communities whose presence on this land predates and extends beyond colonial boundaries.

We are reminded of Pope Francis’s words: “For [Indigenous communities], land is not a commodity but rather a gift from God and from their ancestors who rest there, a sacred space with which they need to interact if they are to maintain their identity and values” (Laudato si’ 146). Laudato si’ calls for the inclusion of Indigenous communities as “principal dialogue partners.” We recognize the ways in which we currently fall short of this standard and are committed to building accountable, long-term partnerships that inform our research agendas, teaching, and community engagement practices.

Land acknowledgments are an imperfect first step towards reconciliation that must continue to be strengthened and aligned within the mission of the JTS Initiative. This acknowledgment is updated as of March 4th, 2026.

To learn more about these Indigenous communities, please visit their official websites.

• Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi

• Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana

• Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

• Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma