This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we at Piedmont Wildlife Center are reflecting on the history of the land where we run our programs.
Leigh Farm Park and its surrounding neighborhoods in Durham are located on Lumbee, Tuscarora, Cheraw, Catawba, Saponi, Occaneechi, Eno, and Shakori land. We strive to share this history with our staff and campers, amplify the stories of the Indigenous and enslaved peoples who cared for this land in the past, and continue learning about the park’s legacy as we move forward with a vision of justice and inclusivity.
We owe a debt of gratitude to these and other Indigenous communities. Many of the survival skills, stories, naturalist knowledge, and nature connection practices we teach in our programs have roots in Indigenous cultures from North Carolina and around the world. We also recognize and celebrate the contributions Indigenous scientists, conservationists, and activists continue to make to the field of conservation.
We believe that Indigenous practices must play a role in any truly sustainable solution to our current environmental crisis. We strive to honor their wisdom and leadership by instilling a deep connection with nature in all who participate in our programs.
Learn more about Indigenous communities in the Durham, NC area – and discover whose land you live on – with the resources on our “Land Context” page.
