06/06/2026
Some victories carry a deeper meaningโฆ
On Thursday, the Del Norte County Unified School District Board voted unanimously to approve a Land Acknowledgment Sign at Smith River Elementary School. The sign has now been installed, marking the first land acknowledgment sign adopted by a school site within DNUSD and the first time a K-12 school in the district has formally recognized that it stands on Tolowa homelands.
The sign itself is important, but what made this moment so meaningful was the community that came together around it.
In the weeks leading up to the vote, community members engaged in difficult conversations about history, belonging, and what it means to be seen and acknowledged in the place you call home. At the meeting, elders, youth, families, Tribal citizens, educators, and allies shared heartfelt testimony about why this project matters and what it represents for future generations.
There were moments of pain, honesty, and reflection. There was also strength, dignity, and love for community.
One of the most powerful parts of the evening was witnessing Tolowa and Yurok community members standing together in support of one another. That unity was a reminder that honoring Indigenous histories, homelands, and communities is something we carry collectively.
For many, this victory is about more than a sign. Itโs about ensuring that Indigenous children see themselves reflected in the places where they learnโฆitโs about honoring the original people of this land and recognizing a history that has always been here.
This milestone was made possible through more than a year of dedication, conversations with community, advocacy, and leadership from our Smith River Local Organizing Committee (LOC), along with the many community members who showed up, shared their experiences, and carried this effort forward. We are also deeply grateful for the unwavering support of Principal Nicole Cochran, whose collaboration throughout this process helped make this moment possible.
Today the sign stands at Smith River School as a reflection of that work and of the community that made it possible. Thank you to everyone who shared their voice, stood alongside one another, and helped bring this vision to life.
