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House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 11, 2021 04:10 PM
From:	Representative Christopher M. Rabb
To:	All House members
Subject:	Amending our House rules to add a land acknowledgment

We meet on stolen land.   The Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex sits on the unceded lands of indigenous peoples.   They inhabited this region along the Susquehanna River for thousands of years before it was taken from them. Sadly, this reality is one that we often overlook.   Today, I am taking action to remind us of this history. I am introducing an amendment to the House Rules that honors those who inhabited this land before us, such as the Susquehannock and Shawnee people.   My amendment ensures we include a land acknowledgment statement in our regular order of business.   This acknowledgment will demonstrate a commitment to dismantling the ongoing legacies of colonialism. We cannot right the injustices of colonialism with words alone, but through our words we can begin a process of doing so.   I ask that you join me in recognizing the indigenous peoples whose land we meet on.    Help honor their past, their present, and our collective future.

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