Acknowledging that we reside in the homelands of Indigenous Peoples is an important step in recognizing the history and the original stewards of these lands. Land acknowledgments must extend far beyond words, the United States has worked hard to erase the narratives of Indigenous Peoples over time. Land acknowledgment statements can help to remind us of the history, the contributions and the sacrifices Native peoples have made. We honor and acknowledge that we are on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Ute nations. This area, specifically the confluence of the Platte and Cherry Creek Rivers, was the epicenter for trade, information sharing, planning for the future, community, family and ally building, as well as conducting healing ceremonies for over 45 Indigenous Nations, including the Lakota, Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, Shoshone, Paiute, Zuni, Hopi, among others. We must recognize Indigenous peoples as the original stewards of this land and as these words of acknowledgment are spoken and heard, remember the ties these nations still have to their traditional homelands. Let us acknowledge the painful history of genocide and forced removal from this territory and pay our respect to the diverse Indigenous peoples still connected to this land. Let us also give thanks to all Tribal Nations and the ancestors of this place. The Auraria Campus, including CU Denver, resides on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the sovereign tribal nations: the Cheyenne (Tsé-tsėhéstȧhese), Arapaho (Hinóno'éí), and Ute (Nuchu and Weenuche) Nations. This area was also the site of trade, hunting, gathering, and healing for many other Tribal Nations. We recognize Tribal peoples as the original stewards of this land. As these words of acknowledgment are spoken and heard, remember the ties these nations still have to their traditional homelands. Let us acknowledge the painful history of genocide and forced removal from this territory and pay our respect to the diverse Indigenous peoples still connected to this land and how we all can go beyond this land acknowledgment. It's crucial to understand that sovereignty refers to the inherent right of Tribal Nations to self-governance and self-determination. This is a political concept. Recognizing Tribal Sovereignty means acknowledging their right to govern themselves, protect their cultures, and maintain their unique relationship with their lands.