Chester Theatre Company exists on what is colonially known as Chester, Massachusetts on the stolen lands of the Mohican, now known as the Stockbridge-Munsee Community, and the Nipmuc Nation. 

“It is with gratitude and humility that we acknowledge that we are learning, speaking and gathering on the ancestral homelands of the Mohican people, who are the indigenous peoples of this land. Despite tremendous hardship in being forced from here, today their community resides in Wisconsin and is known as the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. We pay honor and respect to their ancestors past and present as we commit to building a more inclusive and equitable space for all.” 

Thank you to Heather Bruegel, Director of Cultural Affairs for the Stockbridge-Munsee Community for providing us with this language for our land acknowledgement.  

The Nipmuc Nation has not been disbanded, dissolved, or changed their name. They are committed to our sacred trust of protecting their democratic rights as citizens of the Nipmuc Nation and are in the process of aggressively pursuing legal action against those who are trying to undermine their democracy by spreading fraudulent claims.  

We recognize our part in the ongoing occupation of Native land. Despite continued colonization and forced removal, Indigenous peoples continue to govern and steward their historic lands. We work to educate ourselves on the history of the land we occupy, take steps toward repairing harm to the people who cherish and maintain that land, and offer respect to Indigenous communities in our country today. 

To learn about Indigenous tribes where you live: 

Native Land: A website run by the nonprofit organization Native Land Digital, which strives to map Indigenous lands in a way that changes, challenges, and improves the way people see the history of their countries and peoples Includes links to websites run by local tribes about their history, language, and current events.