Land acknowledgement

We at Femme & Them, a teletherapy practice based in Shelton, Washington, acknowledge that we are on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Squaxin Island Tribe and the Skokomish Tribe. The Squaxin Island Tribe, known as the People of the Water, have deep connections to the land and waters of this region, practicing sustainable fishing, hunting, and gathering that have nourished and protected these ecosystems for generations. The Skokomish Tribe, residing along the Hood Canal and the Skokomish River, have similarly fostered a deep relationship with the land, engaging in practices that honor the natural world.

Today, these tribes continue to be vital stewards of the land, water, and resources. The Squaxin Island Tribe and the Skokomish Tribe work to preserve their culture, traditions, and the natural environment.

This land acknowledgment is a small step in recognizing the rich histories and continued contributions of these communities.

For non-Indigenous people, land acknowledgments are critical in recognizing the history of the land we are on, and the enduring presence of Indigenous communities. Land acknowledgements remind us of our responsibility to understand context of places where we live and work. Learning and acknowledging the history of the land is a step towards dismantling ongoing effects of colonization. It is a way to honor the sovereignty and rights of Indigenous peoples. It is an invitation to learn, reflect, and commit to actions that support the communities who have been and continue to be the caretakers of this land.

To learn more about the Indigenous peoples whose land you may be residing on, including their treaties and histories, visit native-land.ca. This resource offers a map and information about Indigenous territories, languages, and treaties across North America and the globe.