Gardens by Ruth performs work primarily on lands rightfully belonging to the Massachusett and the Pawtucket. We acknowledge the wrongdoings of the past that have taken this land from the native people. Our work intersects with bringing right relationship back to people and land, caring for it with respect and reciprocation, and recognizing the practices of native peoples as guideposts to ensure a livable future for human society and our more than human kin.
Our region was colonized by Europeans after 12,000 years of native societies living on this land. This was a major entry point for an invasion that not only massacred tens of millions of lives, but also irreversibly destructed the vibrant, abundant, diverse, and awe inspiring ecosystems that existed harmoniously under native stewardship. This destruction continues ever day.
As a person of European decent, born on Wampanoag land, I personally endeavor to explore how to both heal the ongoing destruction of earth and assist in bringing back land stewardship policies to native people’s decision making power.
I will continue to explore how to disrupt and dismantle colonialism beyond this territory acknowledgement.
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