ABOUT
To promote Femme/Trans/Women (non-binary, two-spirit, and gender non-conforming inclusive) individuals in cycling through the development of a tightly-knit team that acts as champions of inclusivity, advocacy, volunteerism, and support. Koochella’s purpose is to elevate FTWs in the sport of cycling.
We’ve created a team culture that’s as much about being proactive ambassadors to the larger community as it is racing.
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
Koochella Racing rides on Indigenous land. Mni Sota Makoce (Minnesota) is the homeland of the Dakota people. The Dakota have lived here since time immemorial. Ojibwe people reside in Minnesota, too; they reached their current homelands after following the megis shell to the food that grows on water (manoomin, or wild rice). White colonizers carried out genocide, ethnic cleansing, and forced removal against the Dakota and Ojibwe people. They broke promises. Despite centuries of colonial violence, this is still Indigenous land. It will always be Indigenous land. Dakota and Ojibwe people are still here, and they continue to demonstrate their talents and strengths.
We urge you to take action beyond Indigenous land acknowledgment. Donate your time and money to Indigenous-led organizations. Amplify the voices of Indigenous people who are leading grassroots change movements. Learn more about, and take steps toward, returning land.
Additional resources:
- A guide to Indigenous land acknowledgment
- Dakota Land Map | The Art of Marlena Myles
- Bdote | Historic Fort Snelling | MNHS
- Land Reparations & Indigenous Solidarity Toolkit
- Land Acknowledgment | UMN
- Native-Land.ca | Our home on native land