Church of the Covenant, Boston, resides on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Massachusett people and the Mattakeeset people whose name was appropriated by this Commonwealth. We pay respect to the Massachusett elders past and present. We acknowledge the truth of violence perpetrated in the name of this country and make a commitment to uncovering that truth.
Chief Sâchem Wômpimeequin Wampatuck of the Mattakeeset Tribe leads a Truth Telling Litany, March 19, 2017
Rev. Rob Mark leads a Land Acknowledgment before the Presbytery of Boston, September 23, 2021
We comprehend that land acknowledgements are a small and very important step towards ensuring a culture of respect, truth, and accountability in our congregation, community and city. It is imperative that these words develop into action as a sign of demonstrating our respect. ~United States Department of Arts & Culture: #HonorNativeLand Guide
The violence directed towards Indigenous, Native, Aboriginal, First Nation, and First Peoples is ongoing. This violence is present when Indigenous people’s histories are erased, their cultures are trivialized, their resources are seized, their labor is exploited, their children are stolen, and their lives are taken. In order to fight against this violence, occupiers of this land must listen and amplify Indigenous people’s voices, while fighting against their complicity. May the Great Spirit guide us in this ongoing work.