Fellow non-Indigenous folks:
It’s #IndigenousPeoplesDay. Never forget we are occupants of stolen land. We profit directly from the genocide of and theft from Indigenous nations.
Here are clear instructions on how to properly engage in comradeship:
First of all, do your research on Google and at https://native-land.ca to find out whose stolen land you’re occupying. Keep in mind that not all Indigenous nations are federally recognized, and many that are labeled “extinct” are still very much alive.
Acknowledge Indigenous sovereignty in every space you hold: https://nativegov.org/a-guide-to-indigenous-land.../
Pay “rent” to the Indigenous peoples whose land you occupy. Some nations, like the Duwamish Tribe, have a system for this in place. If you can’t find a comparable link, contact the appropriate nation about financially supporting them.
Open your purse to Indigenous people directly: • Facebook group of Indigenous vendors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/832568190487520/ • Indigenous folks in need: https://twitter.com/debater.../status/1315021312742498306 • Indigenous businesses to support: https://twitter.com/cosycore/status/1315603017991884800
Examine your everyday mundane or spiritual practices and remove anything that appropriates Indigenous cultures. Here’s an EXTREMELY rudimentary list of examples of appropriation: • Indigenous “costumes” or aesthetics (Pocahontas, headdress, feathers in hair, “tribal” makeup or tattoos, Indigenous patterns in clothing • ANY use of white sage (especially smoke cleansing) • use of the words/concepts “smudging,” “pow wow,” “teepee,” “totem,” “spirit animal,” “tribe,” or “chief” outside references to actual Indigenous peoples and cultures • playing the didgeridoo • making dream catchers • calling Indigenous spirits (Wend*goag, Sk*nwalkers, etc.) “cryptids,” or generally referring to them at all
Get on the streets. Engage in direct action to fight for Indigenous rights. Find and participate in the efforts of local mutual aid groups (read: *grassroots* organizations, not nonprofits) that are Indigenous-led. Here’s a great place to get started: https://www.indigenousmutualaid.org/directory/
