We are here today at Common Ground on the western edge of the Neuse River basin in the Piedmont of what is now known as North Carolina. The pond on this land flows into a stream, which flows into a creek on the eastern boundary, which flows into the Eno River. We acknowledge and offer gratitude for all the waters on, below, and above this landscape.
We are on land that is home to the Saponi, Eno, Tutelo, Shakori, and Occaneechi native peoples. This land was never sold by these indigenous peoples and was not willingly vacated. We feel great sorrow about this. We acknowledge and pay deep respect to the Indigenous people, past and present, who call this land home.
In the years since this land was first put into private ownership, colonists, enslaved peoples, and the descendants of both have lived and worked here. We acknowledge the complex history and systems of oppression that have given us the privilege of being here on this land today.
We acknowledge, as equals, all of the beings who co-create the tapestry of life here on this land. The plants: from the smallest “weed” to the big Grandmother Oak. The animals: ones who fly, swim, run, and crawl. The fungi: breaking it down! The soil beings: creating vitality and helping food grow. And all the other beings not mentioned here, seen and unseen. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
The land is sacred. We acknowledge the land as a sovereign being. We accept the responsibilities of reciprocity that come with the gift of being here. May we nurture our relationship to this place with reverence, compassion, and care.
