Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams and energy to making the history that led to this moment.

Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted.

Truth and acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference.

Molly’s Canopy begins the effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth: We are standing on the traditional ancestral lands of indigenous people who have stewarded this land throughout the generations.

We pay respects to their elders both past and present — even as we research and write about our own — and are mindful of the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration and settlement that have brought us to the present moment.

Please join Molly’s Canopy in acknowledging the traditional Native inhabitants of the land by learning more at the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture.