As a step toward honoring the truth and achieving healing and reconciliation, our organization commits to open all public events and gatherings with a statement acknowledging the traditional Native lands on which we stand and work from. Such statements become truly meaningful when coupled with authentic relationships and sustained commitment. We, at Family Education and Support Services, therefore commit to move beyond words into programs and actions that fully embody a commitment to Indigenous rights and cultural equity.
At Family Education and Support Services we wish to honor the tribes who were the first people of this area to call these lands their home. Our offices are located in Tumwater, Shelton, and Chehalis which are the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people, specifically the Nisqually, Skokomish, and Squaxin Island, Cowlitz and Chehalis people. We thank their ancestors and leaders who have been stewards of these lands and waters since time immemorial. We acknowledge that the land sustains us. Wherever we are located, I invite us to recognize the people past who came before us with gratitude. We honor, respect and acknowledge that we join together today on what is now, and will always be recognized as Indigenous land.