We Are All One - Coming Together to Give Thanks
I love the holidays and while there are many celebrated throughout the year, there is something significant about the weather getting colder and the days getting shorter to mark the celebration of gratitude.
As I was remarking on everything I am grateful for, one thing stood out most for me – my inner strength. Life is full of ups and downs. I am grateful for learning that true contentment comes from within and when I fall I know I can get back up.
On the theme of gratitude and resilience I want to recognize Native American Heritage Month and this year’s theme, “Gifts of Our Ancestors: Celebrating Indigenous Knowledge and Cultures.”
I love this idea of boundless curiosity and the exploration and passion for truth. There are things that we all used to believe that are no longer true. For one, Pluto is no longer classified as a planet. That’s an easy one. Something that is often more difficult is reconciliation.
But when we know better we have the opportunity, and I would even say the obligation, to do better. Some days it doesn’t seem like it, but I believe our consciousness is rising. I know that change is hard but what if we could just decide to allow it to be easy. If we didn’t invite in change what would we have to give up? Your iPhone for starters.
When we recognize that we are all one, we begin to understand that we benefit by lifting up everyone. When we are all one, we come together to make this world a better place with a focus on sustainability for all.
So during this time of giving thanks and sharing gratitude, I invite all of us to pause and reflect on the resilience and strength of the Native American peoples and then take action that will positively impact the Native American people. Here are three ways to get started.
1. Understand the truth of Thanksgiving. There are so many articles on the topic. My family has had a tradition of honoring and learning more about Native Americans for many years and I continue to learn something new every year. Here are a few you can start with. Read one with your family to join in a day of remembrance.
We Are All One - Native Jo Lakota’s Reflections on Thanksgiving
Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address Greetings to the Natural World
2. Use the Native Land Map to learn more about the land you live on and recognize the sacrifices that were made in order for you to be where you are. Share a Land Recognition in your next gathering.
3. Friday, November 26 is Native American Heritage Day. Recognize the contributions Native Americans have brought to us. Instead of rushing out and indulging in the consumerism of Black Friday, pause, take a breath, and connect first to sustainability. Then, decide to support some of the incredible work by Native Americans including the gift of knowledge.
Here are just a few great options. There are so many more you can find online.
Book and Bookstore: “There There” by Tommy Orange available at Birchbark Books, this awesome bookstore that supports indigenous people located not far from where I once lived in Minneapolis, MN.
Podcast: Pow Wow Life – This episode, Shop Native This Holiday Season, will give you more greate ideas on what you can buy.
Music: Samantha Crain – Click through to listen to her music and follow her on Instagram and other social platforms. Her song, Pick Apart, is a journey of inner strength. As she says, we are not always our best selves and that’s okay. Listen here: https://samantha-crain.lnk.to/PickApart
Food: Wahpepah’s Kitchen opened in Oakland, CA October 30. Read more in the SF Chronicle. Owner Crystal Wahpepah, raised on Ohlone land in Oakland, was the first Native American Chef to compete in the Food Network’s show, Chopped. I am so excited about this restaurant and their vegan options. I will be stopping by today to pick up some delicious treats to share with family.
Leaders: Follow Crystal Echo Hawk, advocate and educator for the rights of Native Americans, founder and CEO of IllumiNatives, on Twitter and Instagram.
Writer: Simon Moya-Smith, public figure, Chicano writer and journalist. Learn more and follow him on Instagram and Twitter. Read some of his articles here.
Here is a short excerpt from the lyrics to Pick Apart.
“I’ve spent a long, long time
In my navigating head
I know the careful mind
Is such a mountain
Pick apart every
hour of every day
you wanna see
Your life’s in there”
Giving thanks is central to the Native heritage, not just once a year. I am thankful for our Earth and to work towards a more sustainable future I give thanks and take action to –
Honor the water. Honor the earth. Honor the people.