2021-1883 Resolution No. 2021-1883
A resolution recognizing that the Common Council of the City of Janesville meets on the
ancestral lands of Native Nations.
WHEREAS, a land acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Native
peoples as the original and traditional stewards of a given geographic area and the enduring
relationship that exists between Native peoples and their ancestral lands; and
WHEREAS, a formal statement of a land acknowledgment is a proper method to recognize the
traditions of Native peoples and ancestral land; and
WHEREAS, a land acknowledgment is a practice that honors and respects contemporary Native
peoples' connection to their ancestral lands; and
WHEREAS, a land acknowledgment serves as a reminder and a reflection on the impacts of
colonialism, past and present; and
WHEREAS, a land acknowledgment recognizes Native peoples' voices that have been devalued
in past contexts; and
WHEREAS, a land acknowledgment is a way to show both gratitude and appreciation for those
who were first on the land and encourages a broadening of awareness of Indigenous peoples;
and
WHEREAS, the Janesville area was home to many Woodland Native American tribes including
the Winnebago, Ho-Chunk, Potawatomi, Sauk, and Fox tribes, and the City's rich history is deeply
influenced by these early inhabitants.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE COMMON COUNCIL of the City of
Janesville recognizes that said Common Council meets on the ancestral lands of Native Nations,
acknowledges and honors the indigenous communitites who have stewarded this land through
generations, and respects their elders past and present.
ADOPTED: April 12, 2021 Motion by: Conley
Second by: Benson
APPROVED: Councilmember Aye Nay Pass Absent
Benson X
Conley X
Mark A. reitag, City Manager Farrell X
Johnson X
ATTEST: Marklein X
Williams X
Wolfe X
Derrek H e, Interim City Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Wald Klimczyk, City Attorney
Proposed by: Council President Conley
Prepared by: City Manager's Office