Indigenous People’s Day: Amplifying their Voices

for October 14, 2020

Indigenous Peoples Day is a celebration and recognition of Native peoples all over the world. Last week, we highlighted organizations such as the Native Wellness Institute on our social media accounts, whose mission is to support and promote the wellness of Native Americans. It was also important for us to acknowledge Native voices such as Suzanne Methot and Tommy Orange who tell Indigenous stories about trauma and healing. 

In order to fully celebrate and uplift Indigenous people, it is crucial to recognize their trauma, false narratives told about them, and support their wellness and healing. One way to start is by acknowledging colonialism and unlearning false narratives about Native Americans. Recognizing that the land we are on and how Indigenous people use geography is also important. A great resource for this is Native-Land.ca, through this website you can find what Native land you are living on and start learning about the impact of colonialism. 

Though Indigenous Peoples Day has passed, we must understand that everyday is Indigenous Peoples Day! Pay attention to Indigenous stories, amplify their voices, and give them the recognition that they deserve everyday! 

Organizations:

• Native Wellness Institute: https://www.nativewellness.com
• Center for Native American Youth: https://www.cnay.org
• Association of American Indian Affairs: https://www.indian-affairs.org
• Redhawk Native American Arts Council: https://www.redhawkcouncil.org
•  

Books:

• “Legacy: Trauma, Story, and Indigenous Healing” ” by, Suzanne Methot
• “There There” by, Tommy Orange

Other: 

• Native Land: https://native-land.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/teacher_guide_2019_final.pdf