2025 Land Acknowledgement Statement
We (the American Academy of Pediatrics), acknowledge that we are gathering on the traditional lands of the tribal nations:
- Ute (Yoo-Tah)
- Cheyenne (shy-AN)
- Arapaho (uh–rap–uh-hoh)
We recognize and honor their enduring presence on this land, which has been stewarded by them for generations.
We pay our respects to their elders, past and present, and to all Indigenous peoples of this territory. We acknowledge the painful history of genocide and colonization as well as the ongoing struggles for justice faced by Indigenous communities.
As we continue our work to further the health and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, we commit to fostering respect, understanding, and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous peoples.
Pronunciations
- Ute is pronounced “Yoo-Tah”
- Cheyenne is pronounced “shy-AN”
- Arapaho is pronounced “uh–rap–uh-hoh”
RESOURCES
Websites on the Indigenous History of Denver, CO
Take Action – Donate/Support
AAP Committee on Native American Child Health (CONACH)
The Committee on Native American Child Health was established in 1965. CONACH offers expertise to individuals and groups concerned about the issues facing American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children. Committee members maintain contact with Tribal, Urban, and Indian Health Service (IHS) programs, and keep up with important changes, legislation, and regulations that affect Native American health in general (e.g., the Indian Self Determination and Education Act) and Native American child health (e.g., Indian Child Welfare Act) in particular. The committee also aims to include aspiring and interested Indigenous or non-Indigenous medical students and residents, who intend to dedicate some/all of their careers to Native American child health, in their initiatives. Your donation can help support opportunities, for medical students and trainees, that prepare them for future careers in Native American child health.
Official AAP CONACH Partner Organizations
Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute
A national education and advocacy organization that works alongside Native youth—ages 24 and under—on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety, and overall well- being.
National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)
NICWA works to support the safety, health, and spiritual strength of American Indian and Alaska Native children along the broad continuum of their lives. They support tribes in building the capacity to prevent child abuse and neglect through positive systems change at the state, federal, and tribal levels.
National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH)
NCUIH serves as a resource center for individuals and organizations dedicated to improving the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban areas. NCUIH provides advocacy, education, technical assistance, training, leadership, and connections to Urban Indian Organizations and others who share our important mission.
National Indian Health Board (NIHB)
NIHB represents Tribal governments—both those that operate their own health care delivery systems through contracting and compacting, and those receiving health care directly from the Indian Health Service (IHS). This non-profit organization provides a variety of services to tribes, Area Health Boards, Tribal organizations, federal agencies, and private foundations.
Explore more resources…
Native Land Digital strives to create and foster conversations about the history of colonialism, Indigenous ways of knowing, and settler-Indigenous relations, through educational resources such as their map and Territory Acknowledgement Guide.
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
A museum in the United States devoted to the culture of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. It is part of the Smithsonian Institution group of museums and research centers. The museum has three facilities.