Land acknowledgment

We look forward to gathering for the Society of Family Planning 2024 Annual Meeting in what is now known as Detroit.

As we come together, we humbly acknowledge that we will be meeting on occupied territories called Waawiiyaataanong, named by the Anishinaabeg and includes the Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa), and Bodewatomi (Potawatomi); and other indigenous peoples. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the past, present, and future stewards of the land we are gathering on.

We offer this land acknowledgment at a time when we gather as a community as an invitation for reflection and learning, and to bring attention to opportunities to contribute our support.

As part of our Annual Meeting, the Society of Family Planning is integrating a practice of acknowledging the stewards of the land we are gathering, and inviting our community to join us in taking steps beyond land acknowledgment. Join us by:

• Reviewing why land acknowledgments are important and the key components of land acknowledgment. 
• Learning about the Indigenous communities of Detroit and the land we will be gathering on by exploring the official websites of Michigan’s Tribes and/or reading the history of the people.
• Continuing this commitment outside of the Annual Meeting by building authentic relationships with Indigenous peoples and Indigenous-led organizations, supporting Indigenous-led calls to action, and encouraging others to take action and provide their support.

Thank you all for joining us in these necessary efforts.

Touring Detroit!

While attending the Annual Meeting, we invite you to immerse yourself in a dynamic, urban playground surrounded by culture, history, and innovation. To learn more about our host city, explore the Visit Detroit page and:

• Organize a dinner at one of these amazing restaurants
• Stroll around the many and varied neighborhoods
• Discover Detroit’s rich cultural heritage
• Make time for outdoor activities
• And more!