The Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech & Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA) acknowledges the inherent sovereignty of the twelve First Nations that reside in the boundaries of what is now the state of Wisconsin. Many tribal nations represent original and ongoing stewards of these lands and waters; some were forcibly relocated here, some left their distant homes in search of a better life, and some have lived on this land for countless generations. We recognize the resilience, innovation, and contributions of these nations and their people.
WISDAA recognizes and acknowledges that the land and waters in and around La Crosse, where our office is located, is part of the ancestral homeland of the Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk) People. We acknowledge the forced removal of the Hoocąk people, as the City of La Crosse was a location point of expulsion from Wisconsin.
We express our gratitude for these lands and waters and for those who have stewarded them for generations. We urge all who share in these spaces to learn about the Indigenous peoples who have lived, worked, and protected these places since time immemorial, and about the historic injustices and legacies of colonialism. We confront atrocities of the past to work toward just and ongoing restorative practices. Our association is committed to collaborating with Indigenous students and their educators in the teaching of speaking and dramatic performance as a means of raising awareness and advocacy — so that all may listen and learn toward a better future.
