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EnglishWhat Is the Land Acknowledgement on the Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance Website?
Updated
The Land Acknowledgement on lewisandclark.org is a formal statement by the Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance (LCTA) recognizing the Native Peoples who have lived on the land traversed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition for millennia. It appears on the LCTA home page and serves three purposes: acknowledging Indigenous presence and stewardship predating the expedition, expressing respect for past, present, and future Native communities, and committing the organization to building understanding of Native contributions among diverse communities.
What the Acknowledgement Says
The statement, as published on the LCTA site, contains these elements:
- Recognition of millennia of habitation — it acknowledges "Native Peoples who have lived on this land for millennia."
- Recognition of dedication — it notes that their "dedication to the land and to their communities runs deep within the hearts of those past, present and future."
- A commitment by LCTA — the acknowledgement states that this dedication "encourages the Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance to continue developing, among diverse communities, an understanding of and appreciation for the commitment of Native Peoples to this nation and the significance of the Lewis and Clark Expedition."
Why an Organization Like LCTA Issues One
The Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806) moved through lands that were already home to dozens of Native nations. A land acknowledgement reframes the expedition story so it does not begin with the arrival of the Corps of Discovery, but with the peoples who were already there.
For LCTA specifically, the acknowledgement connects directly to its stated mission of tying "contemporary authentic communities and cultures—including tribes whose connections span thousands of years—to historic, vibrant and living landscapes." In other words, the acknowledgement is not a standalone gesture; it aligns with how the Alliance presents the Trail as a living cultural landscape rather than only a historic route.
How It Relates to the Rest of the Site
The acknowledgement sits alongside related content on lewisandclark.org, including:
| Section | Connection to the Acknowledgement |
|---|---|
| "Native Peoples" | Directly addresses Indigenous history and presence |
| "Beyond the Bicentennial" | Reflects on the expedition's legacy beyond anniversary events |
| "Tent of Many Voices" | A program name evoking multiple perspectives, including tribal ones |
| Travel website (lewisandclark.travel) | Describes the Trail as linking contemporary communities and cultures, including tribes |
This placement suggests the acknowledgement functions as a framing statement for how visitors should approach the rest of the site's historical and travel content.
What a Land Acknowledgement Is and Is Not
A land acknowledgement is a statement of recognition and respect. It is not, by itself, a transfer of land, a legal admission, or a substitute for tribal consultation. Readers who want to understand LCTA's fuller engagement with Native history should look at the "Native Peoples" section and the educational site lewis-clark.org, which the Alliance describes as covering "her stories, American and Native American history, famous people, natural history, military history, and more" across 2,300+ pages.
Where to Find It
The acknowledgement is on the LCTA home page at lewisandclark.org. It appears near the bottom of the page content, following sections on the travel app and curriculum guide. No login or membership is indicated as required to view it.