Heritage University formally signed a Land Acknowledgement Statement on November 10, 2021, recognizing the Indigenous peoples as the traditional stewards of the land in central Washington on which Heritage is located, and the Yakama Nation’s enduring relationship with their territory. The statement, signed by tribal elder Kip Ramsey and Heritage University president Andrew Sund, marks the university’s first official acknowledgement of this connection. Maxine Janis, Ed.D., President’s Liaison for Native American Affairs, emphasized that the Land Acknowledgement Statement provides a consistent and official message of respect for the land. Sol Neely, Ph.D., associate professor of English at Heritage and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation who helped write the statement, highlighted its role in strengthening ties with the Yakama Nation and promoting long-term actions to support Indigenous students.

Heritage University Land Acknowledgement Statement: