UC Davis pays homage to the indigenous people and land on which the Davis campus is located. Following consultation with members of the Patwin native community, the campus is pleased to provide the following “Land Acknowledgement Statement” that can be used in oral or written form at events as deemed appropriate. This is the land acknowledgement for UC Davis, which the Center for Watershed Sciences recognizes and supports. The campus encourages those who are interested to use the following language, without edit:
Land Acknowledgement
We should take a moment to acknowledge the land on which we are gathered. For thousands of years, this land has been the home of Patwin people. Today, there are three federally recognized Patwin tribes: Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.
The Patwin people have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries. It has been cherished and protected, as elders have instructed the young through generations. We are honored and grateful to be here today on their traditional lands.
What is a Land Acknowledgement?
A land acknowledgement formally recognizes and pays respect to the indigenous people who once lived where UC Davis stands today. It is intended to raise awareness regarding the enduring relationship between indigenous people and the land.
How was the UC Davis land acknowledgement statement developed?
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation provided a written statement approved by their Tribal Council, which was subsequently adapted and expanded to include all three Patwin tribes. The three Patwin tribes have approved the above statement.
When should this statement be used?
The campus community is encouraged to present the land acknowledgement statement at any UC Davis event held on the Davis campus. This statement is NOT appropriate to use at UC Davis Health, UC Davis-Bodega Marine Laboratory or other locations not on the Davis campus. Such locations generally were not the traditional home of Patwin people.
What is the suggested approach for presenting the statement?
The host of an event may present the land acknowledgement statement during opening comments. The statement may also be included on printed agenda or materials if desired. Departments and individuals may choose to provide further context, information, or comment as appropriate to each individual event at the discretion of the speaker.
What is the appropriate pronunciation of each of the indigenous names?
Patwin [PUTT-win]
Cachil Dehe [CATCH-ill DEE-HEE]
Kletsel Dehe [KLET-SELL DEE-HEE]
Yocha Dehe [YO-chuh DEE-HEE]
Wintun [WIN- tune]
Where can I learn whose land I am on?
There are several resources available online to explore whose land you occupy. For example, https://native-land.ca