Indigenous People's Day
Ahavati
Tams
Forum Posts: 17045
Tams
Tyrant of Words
124
Joined 11th Apr 2015Forum Posts: 17045
Poetry Contest Description
Why Should Indigenous Day replace Columbus Day
I have always hated Columbus Day because I felt it was akin to claiming another's home for your own. More and more states are replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous People's Day in order to shed light on historical facts.
Write a brief poem ( any form ) or essay ( no more than 500 words ) on why Columbus Day should be replaced with Indigenous People's Day. You have one week; best of luck.
With your permission, these entries will be sent to the Governor of my state, and possibly the President of the United states ( whoever he turns out to be ) as a petition type thing in poetic form in honor of my Cherokee heritage, as well as all other tribes. Your real name can or doesn't have to be used. However, a copyrighted symbol with your initials or only first/last name will be placed at the end of each. And, of course, DUP will be credited as the poetry site.
Thanks for participating.
wallyroo92
Forum Posts: 1874
Tyrant of Words
154
Joined 11th July 2012Forum Posts: 1874
Origins
I feel like my family ancestry has been clouded,
Painted a rosy color in the history books,
But then as I grew older I learned the real story,
The origins of my people I often mistook.
I’m of mixed race, the white and the red now a brown,
A Mestizo left with only ruins as proof,
My forefathers had gold but they didn’t have greed,
Just a need to worship the sun as their truth.
The images of the past are like memories untold,
Brought on by a conquest, war, slaughter and disease,
As centuries pass we forget the narration,
Of primitive nations who at one time sought peace.
Now the endangered languages and lexicons,
Are preserved by the concerned and interested few,
Retelling the chronicles with music and dance,
With chants to the ancient spirits that we once knew.
Written by wallyroo92
Go To Page
Ahavati
Tams
Forum Posts: 17045
Tams
Tyrant of Words
124
Joined 11th Apr 2015Forum Posts: 17045
Today we honor North Carolina’s eight indigenous tribes and celebrate all they have contributed to our culture, education and communities.
#IndigenousPeoplesDay2020
Ahavati
Tams
Forum Posts: 17045
Tams
Tyrant of Words
124
Joined 11th Apr 2015Forum Posts: 17045
Politicians renew call to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day
“Today must be the last day our state recognizes Columbus Day as a state holiday,” State Rep. Delia Ramirez said.
State and county politicians renewed calls Monday to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day.
“Removing racist symbols from public life is a critical part of the work we must do to address structural racism in our city, in our county, in our state and in our country,” said state Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Chicago. “This means taking down statues and ending holidays that celebrate white supremacy and genocide.”
Ramirez vowed to reintroduce a bill to make Indigenous Peoples Day a state holiday instead of Columbus Day. The bill was shelved earlier this year after the spring legislative session was cut short due to COVID-19.
Fourteen states and Washington, D.C., observe Indigenous Peoples Day, including Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. In Illinois, Evanston and Oak Park have adopted the holiday.
[ . . . ]
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2020/10/12/21512802/indigenous-peoples-day-replace-columbus-day-illinois-state-holiday
“Today must be the last day our state recognizes Columbus Day as a state holiday,” State Rep. Delia Ramirez said.
State and county politicians renewed calls Monday to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day.
“Removing racist symbols from public life is a critical part of the work we must do to address structural racism in our city, in our county, in our state and in our country,” said state Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Chicago. “This means taking down statues and ending holidays that celebrate white supremacy and genocide.”
Ramirez vowed to reintroduce a bill to make Indigenous Peoples Day a state holiday instead of Columbus Day. The bill was shelved earlier this year after the spring legislative session was cut short due to COVID-19.
Fourteen states and Washington, D.C., observe Indigenous Peoples Day, including Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. In Illinois, Evanston and Oak Park have adopted the holiday.
[ . . . ]
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2020/10/12/21512802/indigenous-peoples-day-replace-columbus-day-illinois-state-holiday
Ahavati
Tams
Forum Posts: 17045
Tams
Tyrant of Words
124
Joined 11th Apr 2015Forum Posts: 17045
Growing up Cherokee and why Indigenous People’s Day means so much | COMMENTARY
For the first year in its history, the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day in place of Columbus Day. This means a lot to me as a student at the college studying radiation therapy and a woman of Cherokee heritage who has often felt my history has not been recognized.
My father, John, also attended CCBC in the ’80s and has been a huge influence on me. He is a great teacher and storyteller and has spent my entire life educating me about the history of our people — the true history, not the G-rated version that is most often presented in history books and to the public. The stories of my father’s childhood and the obstacles he has overcome haunt me to this day. My own experiences with racism have been more subtle than his, but they have shaped me into who I am today, someone who is proud of her heritage and rather excited to participate in CCBC’s first celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Growing up in Baltimore City in the 1960s, my father lived through the riots that engulfed the streets after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. He and his siblings were often targeted because of their Indigenous background in senseless attacks by neighbors and people he thought were his friends, both black and white. The violence got so bad that he and my uncle had to protect themselves with metal trash can lids and sticks.
[ . . . ]
https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/op-ed/bs-ed-op-1012-indigenous-peoples-day-20201012-yjcrzsnabza5hk2x2tuu6jtn6u-story.html
For the first year in its history, the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day in place of Columbus Day. This means a lot to me as a student at the college studying radiation therapy and a woman of Cherokee heritage who has often felt my history has not been recognized.
My father, John, also attended CCBC in the ’80s and has been a huge influence on me. He is a great teacher and storyteller and has spent my entire life educating me about the history of our people — the true history, not the G-rated version that is most often presented in history books and to the public. The stories of my father’s childhood and the obstacles he has overcome haunt me to this day. My own experiences with racism have been more subtle than his, but they have shaped me into who I am today, someone who is proud of her heritage and rather excited to participate in CCBC’s first celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Growing up in Baltimore City in the 1960s, my father lived through the riots that engulfed the streets after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. He and his siblings were often targeted because of their Indigenous background in senseless attacks by neighbors and people he thought were his friends, both black and white. The violence got so bad that he and my uncle had to protect themselves with metal trash can lids and sticks.
[ . . . ]
https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/op-ed/bs-ed-op-1012-indigenous-peoples-day-20201012-yjcrzsnabza5hk2x2tuu6jtn6u-story.html
Blackwolf
I.M.Blackwolf
Forum Posts: 3572
I.M.Blackwolf
Tyrant of Words
13
Joined 31st Mar 2018 Forum Posts: 3572
You are most likely well aware...did we not speak of this before ?
http://www.nativehistoryassociation.org/tutor_tsalagi.php
I shall do my best to compose an entry...thank you for noting the
truth to those who may need to hear it again , about this day...
http://www.nativehistoryassociation.org/tutor_tsalagi.php
I shall do my best to compose an entry...thank you for noting the
truth to those who may need to hear it again , about this day...
Ahavati
Tams
Forum Posts: 17045
Tams
Tyrant of Words
124
Joined 11th Apr 2015Forum Posts: 17045
Blackwolf said:You are most likely well aware...did we not speak of this before ?
http://www.nativehistoryassociation.org/tutor_tsalagi.php
I shall do my best to compose an entry...thank you for noting the
truth to those who may need to hear it again , about this day...
Yes, Blackwolf; however, I will continue to use the term Cherokee for the reason previously discussed. And, you're very welcome. I look forward to your entry.
http://www.nativehistoryassociation.org/tutor_tsalagi.php
I shall do my best to compose an entry...thank you for noting the
truth to those who may need to hear it again , about this day...
Yes, Blackwolf; however, I will continue to use the term Cherokee for the reason previously discussed. And, you're very welcome. I look forward to your entry.
Blackwolf
I.M.Blackwolf
Forum Posts: 3572
I.M.Blackwolf
Tyrant of Words
13
Joined 31st Mar 2018 Forum Posts: 3572
So be it...I would hope you do not mind my
using Tsalagi , or Ani Yunwiya , in my poem...
The word Cherokee disturbs my consciousness
using Tsalagi , or Ani Yunwiya , in my poem...
The word Cherokee disturbs my consciousness
anvinvil
Anvillan
Forum Posts: 90
Anvillan
Fire of Insight
2
Joined 16th Feb 2020Forum Posts: 90
Native American Sadness...
What will we do when all is gone
and yesterday will never dawn?
What will we do when grass turns brown
and railroads crisscross the smallest town?
What will we do when the herds don’t roam
and the birds have flown to a distant home?
What will we do when the people dance
and chant for yet another chance?
What will we do when the chiefs conspire
around a very low and dying fire?
What will we do when all is gone
and yesterday will never dawn?
and yesterday will never dawn?
What will we do when grass turns brown
and railroads crisscross the smallest town?
What will we do when the herds don’t roam
and the birds have flown to a distant home?
What will we do when the people dance
and chant for yet another chance?
What will we do when the chiefs conspire
around a very low and dying fire?
What will we do when all is gone
and yesterday will never dawn?
Written by anvinvil
(Anvillan)
Go To Page
Valeriyabeyond
Dhyana
Forum Posts: 2668
Dhyana
Dangerous Mind
3
Joined 3rd May 2020 Forum Posts: 2668
Keokuk's Dream
Rainbows cradle the rain,
as east wind blows,
bands of colors over
sacred lands, the land of
Neshoba , grandfather elder,
He dressed in splendid regalia, tonight he honors oral tradition as he speaks proudly the language of Pai the language of his people, the Hualapai, People of the Tall Pines
He sits wrapped in ceremonial turkey feather blanket, with many grandchildren at his feet,
They listen, as he tells stories of days long past , the days of fertile lands, and rich waters, of trading camps and hunting parties
He tells of heroes, who have passed, that watch from the sky .
His eyes closed, Grandfather immersed in the tale of the great buffalo, and his brother the owl.
Young Keokuk - (one who is watchful)
Sleepily rubs one eye, and begins to drift into a dream
A dream where Wild mustang gallop through raging rivers, crossing giant land bridges, then soaring, through indigo skies over villages.
Castles built on mounds, hundreds upon hundreds of castles, with walls made of wood
He sees lovely maidens with bows and arrows, others with pockets, of silver and turquoise dancing, under the sun
There are Falcons, with smiles that carry him south, where sunflowers call his name as they touch, the sky. Dreams so real, he can taste the wind .
Keokuk has awakened, his eyes opened.
Great love and respect has risen in his heart, filling him with a newfound purpose.
He is one, with his mind and emotion, conscious awareness, has overtaken him instilling in him, profound wisdom for his people.
He stands tall, his leather pouch at his side, he walks to the edge, of a great hill where he kneels, placing offerings of gratitude, to the sun and the moon, to Mother Earth.
He speaks a prayer of thanksgiving to Father Sky, for watching over his people.
The tale of Keokuk comes alive with the spirit of his ancestors, this tale, a dedication to every tribe within, these United States
Land of our fathers and our mothers, our indigenous brothers and sisters
We proclaim to recognize their good stewardship over the land, the air, and the water, and for their unmatched contribution, to this country
Blessings to all, as we set apart this day, with love and peace, let us unite, in our humanity, to honor and celebrate now, and in the future
Indigenous Peoples day
In America
as east wind blows,
bands of colors over
sacred lands, the land of
Neshoba , grandfather elder,
He dressed in splendid regalia, tonight he honors oral tradition as he speaks proudly the language of Pai the language of his people, the Hualapai, People of the Tall Pines
He sits wrapped in ceremonial turkey feather blanket, with many grandchildren at his feet,
They listen, as he tells stories of days long past , the days of fertile lands, and rich waters, of trading camps and hunting parties
He tells of heroes, who have passed, that watch from the sky .
His eyes closed, Grandfather immersed in the tale of the great buffalo, and his brother the owl.
Young Keokuk - (one who is watchful)
Sleepily rubs one eye, and begins to drift into a dream
A dream where Wild mustang gallop through raging rivers, crossing giant land bridges, then soaring, through indigo skies over villages.
Castles built on mounds, hundreds upon hundreds of castles, with walls made of wood
He sees lovely maidens with bows and arrows, others with pockets, of silver and turquoise dancing, under the sun
There are Falcons, with smiles that carry him south, where sunflowers call his name as they touch, the sky. Dreams so real, he can taste the wind .
Keokuk has awakened, his eyes opened.
Great love and respect has risen in his heart, filling him with a newfound purpose.
He is one, with his mind and emotion, conscious awareness, has overtaken him instilling in him, profound wisdom for his people.
He stands tall, his leather pouch at his side, he walks to the edge, of a great hill where he kneels, placing offerings of gratitude, to the sun and the moon, to Mother Earth.
He speaks a prayer of thanksgiving to Father Sky, for watching over his people.
The tale of Keokuk comes alive with the spirit of his ancestors, this tale, a dedication to every tribe within, these United States
Land of our fathers and our mothers, our indigenous brothers and sisters
We proclaim to recognize their good stewardship over the land, the air, and the water, and for their unmatched contribution, to this country
Blessings to all, as we set apart this day, with love and peace, let us unite, in our humanity, to honor and celebrate now, and in the future
Indigenous Peoples day
In America
Written by Valeriyabeyond
(Dhyana)
Go To Page
Anonymous
Ahavati
Tams
Forum Posts: 17045
Tams
Tyrant of Words
124
Joined 11th Apr 2015Forum Posts: 17045
Tragedy of the Commons
The essence of prosperity is property rights.
Reservations, more often than not
have neither property worth harvesting—
according to developers; or, property rights
to construct or expand their own livelihood
It's a 'Tragedy of the Commons'—
tribal land is communal, which means
owning a clear land title for your residence
especially if a trailor park or mill house
can be filled with legal obstacles
You can't build, or improve your home
if you can't use the land as collateral;
ergo, If everyone owns the land
no one individual can. . .
Without adequate businesses
to employ residents, the commute
to work can be exhaustive; this requires
dependable transportation; however. . .
it's virtually impossible to finance a car
when you don't have a job;
and, the only collateral you've got
is a run-down home you can't fix up
because you don't own land it sits upon
And yet the white man yells,
Get a damn job you Indian slob—
It's yer own fault, you alcoholic
So, Happy Columbus Day, America.
Celebrate the beginning of apartheid-
that small, white minority's claim to live
where thousands once thrived
From genocide to the Trail of Tears
our history should be condemned;
to publicly celebrate its origin
while Indigenous remain enslaved
by legalities of the system. . .
has built a country now flailing
in racial tension—sinking more each year
truth is ignored; and change,
deemed unworthy of achieving
~
Reservations, more often than not
have neither property worth harvesting—
according to developers; or, property rights
to construct or expand their own livelihood
It's a 'Tragedy of the Commons'—
tribal land is communal, which means
owning a clear land title for your residence
especially if a trailor park or mill house
can be filled with legal obstacles
You can't build, or improve your home
if you can't use the land as collateral;
ergo, If everyone owns the land
no one individual can. . .
Without adequate businesses
to employ residents, the commute
to work can be exhaustive; this requires
dependable transportation; however. . .
it's virtually impossible to finance a car
when you don't have a job;
and, the only collateral you've got
is a run-down home you can't fix up
because you don't own land it sits upon
And yet the white man yells,
Get a damn job you Indian slob—
It's yer own fault, you alcoholic
So, Happy Columbus Day, America.
Celebrate the beginning of apartheid-
that small, white minority's claim to live
where thousands once thrived
From genocide to the Trail of Tears
our history should be condemned;
to publicly celebrate its origin
while Indigenous remain enslaved
by legalities of the system. . .
has built a country now flailing
in racial tension—sinking more each year
truth is ignored; and change,
deemed unworthy of achieving
~
Written by Ahavati
(Tams)
Go To Page
Blackwolf
I.M.Blackwolf
Forum Posts: 3572
I.M.Blackwolf
Tyrant of Words
13
Joined 31st Mar 2018 Forum Posts: 3572
Woven Into The Wampum Belt
I Shall Stand On One Foot , Cover One Eye ,
In Initiation , And Tell You A Story Of The Sacred
Hoop Of Creation And Seven Point Star Inside ;
I Shall Speak Of Two Columns , Number Symbols
One Equaling Spider And One Spiderweb , Eight
In Each Column , Like Legs Of Spider , Which
When Arced Into A Circle , Become Our Sacred
Dream Catcher , Which Cleanses And Purifies ,
Yet I Shall Speak , As If I Hold The Talking Stick ,
Speak Holding Talking Stick , Truth And Power ;
In My Hair Or Hat , Eagle Feather And Feather ,
Guide And Power , Wise Chief Holds Up The Tree ,
Shaman Climbs Sky Pole , Or I May Sit By The Fire
Writing In The Smoke , Or In Inipi , To Live Again
Watching Spirits Dance In The Dark , These Things
I Remember , And On This Earth I Walk Like Deer ,
As Best I Can , With Love , And As Wolf , I Teach ,
As That Is My Nature ;
And I Watched The Winged Ones , And They Taught
Me The Weather , And Many Things , About What I
Have Yet To See , And Though , Crow Is The Law ,
Raven Is Magickal , And As I Saw Raven Turn White ,
Long Ago , And I Traveled Far To The Other Side ,
For Now That Is Neither Here Nor There , It Is The Way ;
And So Two More Things , Before The Ceremony Is Ended ;
The Seven Pointed Star , Does Not Originally Reference
Our Seven Sacred Rites , It Is The Center Seven Realms
Of Our Sacred Tree ;
Now Some , Locked Into A False Mindset See That As Cube ;
We Know It As Sphere , Half Above Half Below This World ,
Yet Connected In Its Shape And Energy ;
Up , Down , Right , Left , Back , Forth , And Center Point ;
And If One Saw Inside , The Way The Poles Are Connected ,
Is Not Of This Realm , Yet Shifted , And That Is Why Those
Who Watch Us , Have Never Been Able To See Inside The Inipi ,
While We Are In Ceremony , Though Some Have Tried ;
Lastly , And When I Say This , Know This Has Been Forgotten ,
Yet Is True , From Before All Human Animal , Or Any Other ;
Our Two Columns Of Eight Number Symbols , Equal The Value Of :
*Other Side* , And This Is From Where I Speak Of These Things ;
And I Offer You This , With Sage And Cedar Blessing , Down The
Front , And Up Your Back Chanting The Old Words And Sounds ;
Mother Earth Becomes Mother Sky , Father Sky Becomes Father Earth ;
This Has Always Been The Way , Of Earth Renewal , As Those In A Land
Far From Here , By Not Our Names , But Theirs , In The Land Of Khem ;
And In Prayers , Sacred Smoke , And My Heart , We Of This Earth , Have
Earned This Day , As Ours , If Our People Can Only Remember ;
For We , In This Place , Have Earned It , Though That Battle , Though I
Rattle The Gourd , And Beat The Drum , Shall Never End ;
May Hummingbird Bring Joy Into Your Life ;
Dream Well , My Friends !
Remember : We Are The Indigenous People !
In Initiation , And Tell You A Story Of The Sacred
Hoop Of Creation And Seven Point Star Inside ;
I Shall Speak Of Two Columns , Number Symbols
One Equaling Spider And One Spiderweb , Eight
In Each Column , Like Legs Of Spider , Which
When Arced Into A Circle , Become Our Sacred
Dream Catcher , Which Cleanses And Purifies ,
Yet I Shall Speak , As If I Hold The Talking Stick ,
Speak Holding Talking Stick , Truth And Power ;
In My Hair Or Hat , Eagle Feather And Feather ,
Guide And Power , Wise Chief Holds Up The Tree ,
Shaman Climbs Sky Pole , Or I May Sit By The Fire
Writing In The Smoke , Or In Inipi , To Live Again
Watching Spirits Dance In The Dark , These Things
I Remember , And On This Earth I Walk Like Deer ,
As Best I Can , With Love , And As Wolf , I Teach ,
As That Is My Nature ;
And I Watched The Winged Ones , And They Taught
Me The Weather , And Many Things , About What I
Have Yet To See , And Though , Crow Is The Law ,
Raven Is Magickal , And As I Saw Raven Turn White ,
Long Ago , And I Traveled Far To The Other Side ,
For Now That Is Neither Here Nor There , It Is The Way ;
And So Two More Things , Before The Ceremony Is Ended ;
The Seven Pointed Star , Does Not Originally Reference
Our Seven Sacred Rites , It Is The Center Seven Realms
Of Our Sacred Tree ;
Now Some , Locked Into A False Mindset See That As Cube ;
We Know It As Sphere , Half Above Half Below This World ,
Yet Connected In Its Shape And Energy ;
Up , Down , Right , Left , Back , Forth , And Center Point ;
And If One Saw Inside , The Way The Poles Are Connected ,
Is Not Of This Realm , Yet Shifted , And That Is Why Those
Who Watch Us , Have Never Been Able To See Inside The Inipi ,
While We Are In Ceremony , Though Some Have Tried ;
Lastly , And When I Say This , Know This Has Been Forgotten ,
Yet Is True , From Before All Human Animal , Or Any Other ;
Our Two Columns Of Eight Number Symbols , Equal The Value Of :
*Other Side* , And This Is From Where I Speak Of These Things ;
And I Offer You This , With Sage And Cedar Blessing , Down The
Front , And Up Your Back Chanting The Old Words And Sounds ;
Mother Earth Becomes Mother Sky , Father Sky Becomes Father Earth ;
This Has Always Been The Way , Of Earth Renewal , As Those In A Land
Far From Here , By Not Our Names , But Theirs , In The Land Of Khem ;
And In Prayers , Sacred Smoke , And My Heart , We Of This Earth , Have
Earned This Day , As Ours , If Our People Can Only Remember ;
For We , In This Place , Have Earned It , Though That Battle , Though I
Rattle The Gourd , And Beat The Drum , Shall Never End ;
May Hummingbird Bring Joy Into Your Life ;
Dream Well , My Friends !
Remember : We Are The Indigenous People !
Written by Blackwolf
(I.M.Blackwolf)
Go To Page
Valeriyabeyond
Dhyana
Forum Posts: 2668
Dhyana
Dangerous Mind
3
Joined 3rd May 2020 Forum Posts: 2668
Indigenous America
Morally and ethically groomed over time, the United States of America its values shared, of family and a love of country are in the midst of great change.
Deep inside every American, you will find hope, determination, and a passion
to support this country and its mission to be the best it can be.
Recently, the vision for America has matured many of us have become aware of the filter that has shielded our eyes from truth allowing us to see with clarity behind the veil.
The crumbling statues of our heroes were devastating and misunderstood
by some, but its purpose remains,
to stir hearts and minds, to see these figures in American history as human the behaviors and beliefs once overlooked are now scrutinized,
their prejudice or implicit bias has
been identified placing them alongside every American with a need to shed racial conflict
People from all corners of the earth
have struggled, fought, even died
to bring their families to these shores
of prosperity
With respect, we recognize those
that came to "stake their claim", those who have contributed to this country and helped to make it the greatest
in the world
What of the indigenous people's
where are the heroes?
The men and women who have worked hard to build this country.
The ones who made their mark
to preserve our soil our water and their way of life despite forced assimilation
Their approach, a different perspective in that their tradition is to honor mother earth and to give back what has been taken away.
To strike a balance on this planet
In hopes that our children's children
will reap the benefits that this land
has to offer
I would like to tell you of a few highly remarkable indigenous people, Americans that should be recognized
as our heroes, and their stories told
for generations to come
It's time to honor the lives of the indigenous people of this country
and their effect on every one of us
who call this land their home
Susan La Flesche Picotte
from the Omaha tribe
The first Native American
female doctor
the mid-1800s
Sarah Winnemucca, daughter
of the Chief of the Piutes a fierce advocate for indigenous people in 1877
Mary Golda Ross from the Cherokee Nation co-author of one of NASA's handbooks
Joy Harjo from the Muscogee Creek Nation the countries first Native American US Poet Laureate
Lastly Buffalo Calf Road Woman a brave Cherokee woman who fought alongside her husband and brother at Little Big Horn
Use this as a reminder to the people
of this country of the countless indigenous people who deserve
to be recognized, remembered, and honored for their achievements
I encourage the United States of America to take an admirable step
by replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous People's Day
and to furthermore make it
a federal holiday
©Valeriya Long
2020
Deep inside every American, you will find hope, determination, and a passion
to support this country and its mission to be the best it can be.
Recently, the vision for America has matured many of us have become aware of the filter that has shielded our eyes from truth allowing us to see with clarity behind the veil.
The crumbling statues of our heroes were devastating and misunderstood
by some, but its purpose remains,
to stir hearts and minds, to see these figures in American history as human the behaviors and beliefs once overlooked are now scrutinized,
their prejudice or implicit bias has
been identified placing them alongside every American with a need to shed racial conflict
People from all corners of the earth
have struggled, fought, even died
to bring their families to these shores
of prosperity
With respect, we recognize those
that came to "stake their claim", those who have contributed to this country and helped to make it the greatest
in the world
What of the indigenous people's
where are the heroes?
The men and women who have worked hard to build this country.
The ones who made their mark
to preserve our soil our water and their way of life despite forced assimilation
Their approach, a different perspective in that their tradition is to honor mother earth and to give back what has been taken away.
To strike a balance on this planet
In hopes that our children's children
will reap the benefits that this land
has to offer
I would like to tell you of a few highly remarkable indigenous people, Americans that should be recognized
as our heroes, and their stories told
for generations to come
It's time to honor the lives of the indigenous people of this country
and their effect on every one of us
who call this land their home
Susan La Flesche Picotte
from the Omaha tribe
The first Native American
female doctor
the mid-1800s
Sarah Winnemucca, daughter
of the Chief of the Piutes a fierce advocate for indigenous people in 1877
Mary Golda Ross from the Cherokee Nation co-author of one of NASA's handbooks
Joy Harjo from the Muscogee Creek Nation the countries first Native American US Poet Laureate
Lastly Buffalo Calf Road Woman a brave Cherokee woman who fought alongside her husband and brother at Little Big Horn
Use this as a reminder to the people
of this country of the countless indigenous people who deserve
to be recognized, remembered, and honored for their achievements
I encourage the United States of America to take an admirable step
by replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous People's Day
and to furthermore make it
a federal holiday
©Valeriya Long
2020
Written by Valeriyabeyond
(Dhyana)
Go To Page