In Honor of Indigenous People's Day

Greetings Loved Ones,

Today is Indigenous People’s Day. Thank God we are using that name, finally. I have always been in awe of Native American culture and community, in particular. In awe of their deep connection to spirit, to nature, to animals, to craftsmanship. I admire how they treat their elders and how they honor life and death in ceremony, in dance. I write this a bit fearful that my words will patronize their culture, but hopeful that this will be seen as celebratory and respectful .

We should all know by now that Native Americans are perhaps the most marginalized group of human beings in this country. I think our government has pushed them to the edge out of fear…fear of their innate intelligence and power. Fear that their community has come to understand something more profound than can be comprehended by people who aim to separate rather than unify. Native American culture represents community and the power of unity…which directly threatens the frequent agenda of the government to further separate us for the purpose of control.

That being said, there are some positive changes being made! I do have faith in our government, despite a dark history.

“On Monday in the nation's capital, there is no Columbus Day. The D.C. Council voted to replace it with Indigenous Peoples' Day in a temporary move that it hopes to make permanent. Several other places across the United States have also made the switch in a growing movement to end the celebration of the Italian explorer in favor of honoring Indigenous communities and their resiliency in the face of violence by European explorers like Christopher Columbus.” - NPR

There are a few important things that we can do to support Indigenous people:

1. Vote for elected officials who care about their culture and wellbeing.

2. Support Native American businesses. You can click HERE for a great list of Native-owned businesses and products. Perhaps make it a goal to solely support Native Americans when it’s time to do your Christmas shopping, for example.

3. Educate yourself. Watch films about their history and present struggles…read articles…you get it :)

Love, Helen Denham

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