Organizations, sites, and platforms for learning, engaging, and healing.
– KEYS SOULCARE
As society continues to move through cycles of accountability, truth-telling, and reckoning with our nation’s history, Native American Heritage Month, in particular, requires us to examine the definition of “celebration” itself. Truly honoring our fellow humans requires us to invest in not just their commodified traditions (think: food, rituals, and plant wisdom), but their healing and wholeness too.
It’s in this spirit that this month — and always — we’re lifting up resources of learning, healing, and thriving in solidarity with members of the Indigenous American community.
Witness
History cannot be unlived, and should never be erased. But, it can be reckoned with. Case in point: this Time magazine essay, in which Sioux Nation member and award-winning chef and author Sean Sherman re-examines his own childhood celebrations of Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, Vice Land’s RISE storytelling platform — hosted by activist, Landback Studios creator, and media maker Sarain Fox — is dedicated to elevating new- and next-generation leadership voices.
Self-Educate
Presented in partnership with The Southern Poverty Law Center, the Smithsonian’s free, on-demand “Indigenous People’s History” webinar is an all-age-friendly resource for self-education. Delve into topics ranging from individual Indigenous American narratives to history-shaping events and legislation that have often been left out of popular history. Find more stories of Indigenous heroism via the online exhibit called “Why We Serve: Native Americans In The United States Armed Forces,” courtesy of The National Museum of The American Indian.
Engage
Follow @IndigenousPeoplesMovement for news and content spanning pop culture, marches on Washington, the global Indigenous diaspora, and more. Attend real-life and virtual exhibitions by the likes of the National Museum of The American Indian, which is hosting (and archiving) films, talks, and discussions all month long. And, speaking of engagement? Influencer James Jones (a.k.a. NotoriousCree) blends activism, dance, representation, and (stone-cold) personal style in daily posts sure to inspire you on all fronts.
Give
Partner with and support the ongoing efforts of the National Congress of American Indians. The inter-tribal organization is on a mission to further community, culture, education, health, human services, natural resource allocation, and tribal self-governance across the U.S. continent.
Where are you reflecting, healing, and showing up for the first people of this nation at this time? Share what and where you’re learning in the comments.
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