Land Acknowledgment
We respectfully acknowledge that Claremont Graduate University occupies the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Tongva (Gabrielino) people. For thousands of years, the Tongva have been stewards of this land, caring for it in ways that continue to sustain life today. We honor their connection to this land and pay respect to their elders—past, present, and emerging.
The process of colonization displaced the Tongva people, and the consequences of this history are still felt today. This acknowledgment is a step toward recognizing this truth and reaffirming our commitment to amplifying Tongva voices and supporting their ongoing work toward cultural preservation and sovereignty.
Wealth Acknowledgment
In addition to land dispossession, we acknowledge that systems of wealth accumulation—rooted in colonization, forced labor, and the exploitation of Indigenous, Black, and marginalized communities—have directly contributed to the privileges and resources we benefit from today. The economic structures that enabled institutions like CGU to thrive were built on systemic exclusion and injustice.
We recognize the wealth generated through these systems and the inequities they perpetuate. This acknowledgment compels us to take responsibility for addressing these injustices through reparative action.
Educational Resources
We encourage our community to learn about the histories and systemic inequities connected to this acknowledgment. Below are resources to deepen understanding and inspire action:
- Learn about the Tongva people: Tongva People History
- Explore Native Land Digital: Interactive Indigenous Territories Map
- Recommended Reading:
- An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
- Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
Acknowledgment of Limitations
This acknowledgment is just one step in an ongoing journey. We understand that words alone cannot undo centuries of harm, but they can spark reflection and action. Claremont Graduate University remains committed to listening, learning, and working in partnership with Indigenous and marginalized communities to create meaningful change.