WE ACKNOWLEDGE, as a result of settler policies designed to assimilate and contain indigenous peoples, the land was also occupied by the Wichita, Tawakoni, Kiowa, Apache, Comanche, and possibly other Tribes that were lost to the violence that came with colonization. We further acknowledge that this territory once served as a hunting ground and migration route for other Tribes who may not be named here.

We acknowledge this land in thanks to the Kickapoo and other nations who have held relationship with this land. We recognize the historical and ongoing legacy of damaging colonial practices and realize we must dismantle these policies that continue to harm indigenous peoples.***

To further support indigenous people, we ask our members and allies to recognize and support American Indian Heritage Day in Texas, which is a state holiday on the last Friday of September. Further, we encourage all to support Texas Native Health, a nonprofit that provides services to American Indians in Texas such as medical, dental, behavioral health, and employment & training services. Finally, we ask everyone to follow MMIW Texas Rematriate, an organization serving as a resource for bringing home missing indigenous people.

***The McKinney Area Democratic Club thanks Jodi Voice Yellowfeather for her assistance in creating this land acknowledgement.