WHEREAS, a land and water acknowledgement is a formal statement, often given orally at the beginning of organized events, celebrations, or activities; and

WHEREAS, land and water acknowledgements serve to celebrate the American Indian community, educate on regional American Indian history, and recognize the local and national settler-colonial legacies of violence and land expropriation; and

WHEREAS, Hennepin County values, and is committed to providing service through partnership with American Indian communities.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board directs Administration and staff to work with community and Minnesota tribal leaders to craft a regionally and culturally specific:

•  Land and Water acknowledgement for Hennepin County
• Tribal flag lending library
• Educational materials for staff on topics such as Sovereignty, Boarding Schools, Minnesota Tribes and other relevant topics

• Ongoing recognition of American Indian Month, Native American Heritage Month and Indigenous Peoples Day annually
• Collaboration with the American Indian community to determine how Hennepin County can best support residents