Client: Lawrence University

Overview

This is a permanent land acknowledgement in the Lawrence University campus in Wisconsin. Lawrence wanted to permanently recognize their campus lies on Menominee land. The Menominee are indigenous to the eastern half of Wisconsin. Lawrence has been working earnestly to not only recognize that, but to make it a part of the larger awareness of the university community.

We worked closely with the Indigenous student group on campus and incorporated their ideas into the work. Education was used as a tool of colonization and intended to erase culture from the people indigenous to this land. The effects of this reverberate today. Indigenous students don’t often see themselves reflected in the university setting, either in the faculty, fellow students, or environment. This piece allows Indigenous students to physically see their culture on campus. This piece is a place for them to gather, have demonstrations, and ceremonies.

Goals

Lawrence University wanted to create a permanent land acknowledgement on their campus. They wanted a physical structure to indicate they are on Indigenous land.