The University of Arizona Land Acknowledgment

Land Acknowledgment

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.

History

At the University of Arizona, we acknowledge the deep history and experiences of the Indigenous peoples who have lived on these lands for millennia. This recognition is central to our commitment as a land-grant institution. It reflects our responsibility to serve the 22 federally recognized Native nations whose lands lie within the state of Arizona.

In 2021, the Office of Native American Advancement & Tribal Engagement led the development and approval of the above acknowledgment in collaboration with our Arizona Native partners.

In 2024, the statement video below was produced with the participation of many of these partners and shared across the institution and our Native communities.

Sun setting over "A" Mountain.

"The University of Arizona's Land Acknowledgment serves as a foundational step toward becoming a leading institution in serving Native American communities. We honor the sovereignty of Native Nations and, together, we are educating the next generation of leaders."

Levi Esquerra, Senior Vice President Native American Advancement & Tribal Engagement

Land Acknowledgment Statement Video 

While it is not a requirement, University of Arizona students, faculty and staff may read the land acknowledgment or play the statement video during U of A meetings, presentations and high-profile events such as Homecoming, Wildcat Welcome, Athletics games, Blessings and groundbreaking ceremonies, and National Native American Heritage Month.

They may also use it as a link in email signatures and written on campus websites supporting the success and well-being of Indigenous students, faculty and staff.

 

If you are a University of Arizona employee, please find the downloadable video on the Digital Asset Library with our complete usage guidelines.

Extension Office Locations

For presentations or displays outside of Tucson, please use the official university written statement above or one of our specific extension and outreach office area written statements below.

Tucson Area

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.

Phoenix Area

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Phoenix being home to the Ak-Chin Indian Community, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Gila River Indian Community, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and Tohono O’odham Nation. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.

Hopi Tribe – Hopi Tribe (Kykotsmovi) Cooperative Extension Office

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Kykotsmovi being home to the Hopi Tribe. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.

Hualapai Nation – Peach Springs Cooperative Extension Office 

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Peach Springs being home to the Hualapai Tribe. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.

La Paz County/Colorado River Indian Tribes – Parker Cooperative Extension Office

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Parker being home to the Colorado River Indian Tribes. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.

San Carlos Apache Tribe – San Carlos Cooperative Extension Office

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with San Carlos being home to the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.

Navajo Nation – Cooperative Extension Offices

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Window Rock being home to the Navajo Nation. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.

Navajo Nation – Fruitland Cooperative Extension Office

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Fruitland being home to the Navajo Nation. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.

Navajo Nation – Tuba City Cooperative Extension Office

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with the Tuba City area being home to the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.

Washington D.C.

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, the United States is home to 574 federally recognized tribes, with the DC being home to the Nacotchtank and the Piscataway People. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.