Land Acknowledgment

In November 2023, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council of Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) wished to raise awareness and pay tribute to the Indigenous communities and their ancestral land. The DEI Council has chosen to formally recognize that the sites where GLFHC facilities are currently situated were once home to eight distinct Indigenous settlements. This acknowledgment aligns with our commitment to providing culturally diverse and culturally grounded care to all those we serve.

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center wholeheartedly comprehends and accepts the historical context that has led us to occupy the land we traverse today, encompassing Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, Andover and Lowell. GLFHC acknowledges that the ground upon which we tread is the original homeland of the Agawam, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), Pennacook, Wabanaki (Dawnland Confederacy), Pawtucket, Pentucket, N’dakina (Abenaki/Abenaquis), Naumkeag and Wamesit communities.

This marks the initial step taken by GLFHC to acknowledge the painful history of genocide and the forced displacement from this land while honoring the Indigenous peoples who maintain their connection to this region, now known as the Greater Lawrence and Merrimack Valley area. We deeply respect and revere the descendants of these and numerous other Indigenous communities, both within the area we serve and throughout North America, who have persevered despite repeated attempts by mainstream society to erode their cultural identities.

As temporary occupants and caretakers of this land, we solemnly pledge to honor Indigenous peoples by embracing authentic cultural narratives and practices that recognize and celebrate the shared humanity of all individuals within our community of care. This initial step signifies our commitment to recognizing the historical legacy and acknowledging the ongoing experiences of Indigenous communities.

As your Community Health Center, we are firmly dedicated to cultivating a just and healthy community through deliberate acknowledgment, meaningful dialogue, and purposeful action.

GLFHC DEI Council is in a continued journey to learn about issues surrounding equity and inclusion, and if you have any feedback on this statement we would welcome your feedback. Please email us at: dei@glfhc.org.

**The list of tribes included in the statement were derived through research using this widely-used tool: Native Land Digital (native-land.ca)