Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico sits on the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Sandia. The original peoples of New Mexico Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache since time immemorial, have deep connections to the land and have made significant contributions to the broader community statewide. We honor the land itself and those who remain stewards of this land throughout the generations and also acknowledge our committed relationship to Indigenous peoples. We gratefully recognize our history.
– UNM's Land Acknowledgment Statement
The University of New Mexico's Student Union Building, in partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and American Indian Student Services, will unveil a new mural honoring the Indigenous Peoples' Land and Territory Acknowledgement.
The mural unveiling will take place at noon, Friday, May 5 outside the ballrooms on the main level of the SUB. The event will include a short program and light refreshments.
New Mexico has always had a vibrant and highly-visible Native American population. Nowadays, nearly 10.5 percent of the state's entire population, representing 23 federally recognized Native Nations, are located in New Mexico including 19 Pueblos, three Apache nations and the Navajo Nation.
In acknowledging the land that was inhabited by Native people thousands and thousands of years ago, a discussion for creating an Indigenous Land and Territory Acknowledgment statement at The University of New Mexico began in spring 2018. A formal Indigenous Peoples' Land and Territory Acknowledgment was adopted in 2020.
To attend, RSVP to the SUB administrative office at 505-277-2331 or subadmin@unm.edu.