LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy will be built on ancestral homelands of the Muscogee people, many of whom still reside on portions of their original homeland at the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Atmore, Alabama.

What is a Land Acknowledgement?

It is a statement which reminds everyone who reads it that many, many people lived in this spot for thousands and thousands of years before the European settlers came, and they are still a part of our community today.

Why is a Land Acknowledgement important?

It reminds us that we are a small part of the long, long history of this space on Earth. We must learn our neighbors’ stories, our own stories, and the stories of the people who lived here before us. This will help us make good choices and create a better history for the community of people who will live here after us.

Who are the Muscogee people?

The explorers from Europe met people living in Southeastern America and called them “Creeks” because they lived along the many creeks. “Creek” translated into the native peoples’ language is “Muscogee.”

Do all Native Americans live on reservations?

No. In fact, your neighbor could be a descendant of a Native American Nation, such as the Poarch Band of Creek Indians or the Choctaw Nation or the Cherokee Nation or the Seminole Nation or one of the other 500+ Native Nations in the United States.

How do I pronounce “Poarch”?

“Porch”

Should I say Indian, Native American, or Indigenous?

It is polite and respectful to refer to the person’s Nation. Here are some examples:

“Let me introduce you to Dr. John Herrington, of the Chickasaw Nation. He’s an astronaut!”

“This is my friend Joyce, from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. She makes lovely jams and jellies.”

“I’m going to watch a video by Matika Wilbur, of the Swinomish and Tulalip Tribes in Washington.”

Most importantly, listen to the way people introduce themselves to you.

How can I learn more?

Poarch Band of Creek Indians

http://pci-nsn.gov/wordpress/about/history/

National Geographic Kids