More Than an *Asterisk?

This article explores the significance of land acknowledgments, particularly in conservative states where these statements are increasingly contested or banned. While some critique land acknowledgments as symbolic or performative, their presence in politically hostile environments highlights their critical role in recognizing Indigenous histories, fostering dialogue, and combating systemic erasure. The author, a Native American higher education administrator, examines how land acknowledgments serve as footholds for visibility, education, and action, even amid growing political resistance. Drawing on personal experiences and institutional examples, the article underscores the necessity of these acknowledgments as a starting point for reconciliation, equity, and the preservation of Native identity in public discourse.