Reflections and Recommendations in Honor of Indigenous Heritage
A person holding a sign that says “YOU ARE ON NATIVE LAND” in all caps. Art by Urban Native Era: https://urbannativeera.com/
I grew up on Menominee and Potawatomi land, and due to the rich history of this area and my own personal and ancestral history, acknowledging and honoring indigenous history, culture, and contributions has always been a responsibility I hold with deep commitment and reverence.
My personal decolonization practice involves learning, reflection, and advocacy. I regularly take time to learn about indigenous practices, the indigenous history of the lands I occupy, and the current work being done by indigenous leaders and activists.
As I've been reflecting this year during Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Native American Heritage Month, and Native American Heritage Day, I took a look at my Indigenous Peoples’ Day newsletter from 2021. It has reminded me once again that learning is a cyclical, iterative process, and that reflection is a powerful tool for action and transformation. This message and the below resources continue to be relevant, and most of what is included here is a "reprint" of that same newsletter, with some additional resources added.
In that spirit I offer these questions to the resources and recommendations below:
What about your Indigenous Peoples' Day or Native American Heritage Month/Day learning or recognition has changed since last year?
What has stayed the same?
What new actions or commitments are you willing to take moving forward?
While I fully believe that cultural recognition should not be reserved for specific “days” or “months,” I do think we can take an opportunity during these times to pay special attention to the issues or communities commemorated, and at the very least use it as an opportunity to learn something new.
Take a look at some of the suggestions below to learn more about my own journey and recommendations. If you are not already doing some these things (especially if you are receiving this message a second or even third time) this would be a great time to start to dive in!
Photo taken on Menominee and Potawatomi land
Practice Recommendations
Become familiar with the indigenous stewardship of the lands where you are located, visit, and any other places important to you.
Learn about contemporary efforts to maintain and reclaim indigenous land stewardship, such as the Land Back movement and efforts to protect indigenous natural habitats.
If you live in the NY area, follow and support The Mannahatta Fund.
Develop your own land acknowledgement.
Become familiar with indigenous leadership in your field. (For evaluators, check out the Indigenous Peoples in Evaluation TIG at AEA and Dr. Nicole Bowman's work.)
Investigate your personal relationship with indigenous cultural appropriation, especially the popularized burning of white sage and palo santo and use of dream catchers as décor.
More Resources and Media on Indigenous Sovereignty, Leadership, and Practices
US Department of Arts and Culture
Article: Radical Economics: Centering Indigenous Knowledge, Restoring the Circle
This article on Sacheen Littlefeather, who passed earlier this year and is most well-known for declining Marlon Brando's award at the Oscars.
Books and Literature
Decolonizing Wealth and Money as Medicine, Edgar Villanueva
Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimerer
An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
Photo taken on Menominee and Potawatomi land
Note: I've intentionally left out links to my own work with the exception of our land acknowledgement page. If you have any questions or feedback, or are looking for additional resources, I welcome emails, and you can always book a coffee chat, or follow me on LinkedIn.