The Plants of Gitigan

Oakland University resides on the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabe, known as the Three Fires Confederacy, comprising the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi. The land was ceded in the 1807 Treaty of Detroit and makes up southeast Michigan.

In recognizing the history and respecting the sovereignty of Michigan’s Indian Nations, Oakland University honors the heritage of Indigenous communities and their significant role in shaping the course of this region. Further, we recognize the wrongs done to those forcibly removed from their Homelands and commit to fostering an environment of  inclusion that is responsive to the needs of First Peoples through our words, policies and actions.

The preservation and perpetuation of customs and traditions of Indigenous nations are essential to our shared cultural heritage. A deep understanding of Native peoples’ past and present informs the teaching, research and community engagement of the university in its ongoing effort to elevate the dignity of all people and serve as shared stewards of the land.