Land & Labor Acknowledgements
Land Acknowledgement
The ASCA recognizes that the 2024 Annual Conference is being hosted on lands that belong to the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla and many other nations along the Columbia River. The ASCA acknowledges that these lands were stripped from native nations under the Oregon Donation Land Act of 1850 – giving 2.5 million acres of native lands to white settlers and forcing native people of the land into reservations. We recognize that every member of the ASCA community has, and continues to, benefit from the use and occupation of this land. Consistent with our values of community, inclusion and diversity, we have a responsibility to
acknowledge and make visible ASCA’s relationship to Native peoples. As guests on these lands, we respect and give honor to the work of all Indigenous nations past, present, and future.
Labor Acknowledgement
The ASCA also recognizes that the 2024 Annual Conference is being hosted on lands that once passed legislation that did not value the labor of those who were not white. Legislations such as the Black Exclusion Law of 1857, banned slavery but also made it illegal for Black people to own real estate, make contracts, vote, or use the legal system. Along with the legalization of public segregation, the
Black Exclusion Law of 1857 created injustices that perpetuated the idea of being able to work on the land but not have any ownership or fair access. It was not until 1965 that Black people had all of their restrictions lifted. Legislations such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, banned the immigration of Chinese Laborers for 10 years with the exception of merchants, teachers, students, travelers, and diplomats. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 created unequal and inequitable access to these lands and was then made permanent by the Geary Act in 1902. It was not until the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 that exclusionary and restrictive immigrant policies were lifted for Chinese
immigrants. We recognize that policies like these continue to plague marginalized communities. As guests on these lands, we respect and give honor to the marginalized groups that have labored and been denied access to opportunities past, present, and future.