Honor the resilience and achievements of Native Americans
This is the opinion of Macy Ellis, CSB senior, on behalf of the Indigenous Student Association
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the traditions and achievements of Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. Now that we’re in the first part of November, I encourage everyone to honor the presence and resilience of Native peoples.
Not only that, if you are non-Native, I implore you to do your own research in support of truth and healing.
We should all be working toward decolonization efforts, but it’s not on your Indigenous friends to educate you.
It’s never too late to do this work, and now is the time to support Native peoples—certainly as the genocide of Palestinians continues along with the recent election results that will absolutely bring harm to Native communities and our environment.
Given the history of our two campuses—residing where monastic Native American boarding schools once operated—it’s especially important for the CSB+SJU community to show up this month and every month.
Recognizing that you are on Native land is important, but that is only the first step; there’s so much more that can be done.
As non-Native allies, your everyday actions can be a catalyst for change—that should be remembered. It seems to be a common-held belief that Native people are part of the past.
While we should definitely learn from the past and uplift Native traditions (something that Native American Heritage Month is all about), we cannot forget what must be done in the present.
Native people are still here, and we need to fight for them, not against them.
If you don’t know where to start, think about getting involved on campus.
The Initiative for Native Nation Relations (INNR), directed by professor Ted Gordon, works on research at the request of Native Nations along with community-building.
Often, the best way to make a difference is to get directly involved. Further, the Indigenous Student Association (ISA) is putting on events during the month that you may want to attend (and, of course, there’ll be some great events next semester as well).
In the month of November there will be an ISA craft night, beading event and bingo with prizes.
The goal of the ISA is to provide a safe place for Native students to celebrate their culture and for non-Native students to be supportive. All are welcome to attend ISA events.
Lastly, if you’re Native, stay deadly and know that, even when it doesn’t seem like it, there are parts of campus that hear, see and support you. Not just right now, or when it’s convenient—but throughout the whole year.