Native American ‘Shared Territory’ Plaques Installed at Campuses

Joey Du Shane-Navanick

As the country embarks upon Native American Heritage Month, also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, Salt Lake Community College officials have announced the installation of several plaques recognizing the historical significance of the land it occupies at its various campuses.

In a message to the SLCC community, Maria A. Martinez, director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at the college, shared the news coming from Joey Du Shane-Navanick, vice president of the SLCC American Indian Student Leadership club. He cited the efforts of college staff and faculty, as well as the club, for paving the way for plaques to be installed at the Taylorsville, South City and Jordan campuses – others will follow at the Miller, West Valley and Westpointe campuses.

The plaques read: “Salt Lake Community College is located on the Native American shared territory of the Goshute, Navajo, Paiute, Shoshone, and Ute People. We honor the original ancestors of this land and also offer respect to our other tribal communities. We acknowledge this history to cultivate respect for and advocate with our indigenous students and communities still connected to this land.”

The plaque in The Realm (east of Student Center) on the Taylorsville Redwood Campus.

A special ceremony had been planned to celebrate the new markers, but to protect tribal elders and members of the community from the spread of COVID-19, it has been postponed. Other virtual events at SLCC, however, are expected throughout the month (check back online here for more details).

“As Salt Lake Community College continues its commitment toward a welcoming and inclusive campus community, we thank Joey and the American Indian Student Leadership club for their advocacy and tireless work in drafting the statement and sharing their wisdom and knowledge with us,” wrote Martinez.

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