Through this statement, we want to draw attention to the history of the land on which we gather, one that shows lasting impact of colonization. Worcester proper is Nipmuc Nation. Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts, is the place of first contact between European Colonizers and Native Americans, and a site where Native folks gather every year for a national day of mourning for Indigenous genocide. Worcester still celebrates Columbus Day.

In acknowledging this history, we seek to disrupt the normalization of colonization. As we are a community centered on diversity and inclusion, it is indeed necessary to be aware of the struggles against systemic oppression that have dispossessed indigenous peoples of their lands and denied their rights to self-determination. Let this awareness fuel us to uncover inclusive spaces, confront our own privilege that contributes to the marginalization of indigenous peoples, and work to disrupt and dismantle the forces of colonization.