Meeting Public Comments

Jane Robinette

I oppose this bill. Land acknowledgments have been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples as a way of showing respect and peace to other Indigenous Nations while visiting their land. More recently, nonIndigenous people have used these statements to acknowledge that we are considered guests on Indigenous traditional lands. They are a sign of respect and gratitude, and are designed to further reconciliation with Indigenous Nations. They are not sufficient, but they are a first step. When I have heard land acknowledgments, I have appreciated the reminder of the many Indigenous Peoples who inhabited the land we call Iowa. They inspire interest in and curiosity about our history, and remind me that we all should thank and respect the Indigenous people in our midst and take more steps toward reconciliation with them. Why is this practice worthy of a state legislative ban? What are you afraid of? We have so many important issues facing our state. This is not one of them. Vote no.