DIOSOVA Land Acknowledgement Statement

Diocese of Southern Virginia Land Acknowledgement Statement:
"We acknowledge the native peoples who are the original custodians of the land we call the Diocese of Southern Virginia, including the Indigenous Algonquin, Siouan and Iroquoian speaking peoples encompassing at least 22 distinct tribes. Our church profited by acts of colonization that resulted in genocide, ethnic cleansing, stolen land, and forced removal.
We recognize our responsibility as a diocese, and as individuals, to push for real accountability and transformative change. We give thanks for the wisdom of the Indigenous people who remind us we are one with creation - intimately connected and called to respect, value, nurture and live in relationship with each other and all creation. Therefore, we commit ourselves to learning, celebrating, and paying tribute to Indigenous histories, cultures, and worldviews."
A search of DIOSOVA church addresses via native-land.ca/ reminds us that many Indigenous tribes lived on the lands our churches now stand on.
Music: Song For The Morning Star - R. Carlos Nakaiv