NASP Reflects on Indigenous Peoples Day and Native American Day

On October 11, 2023, as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day and Native American Day, we are filled with pride and reverence for our relatives. We belong to the lineage of this continent’s first inhabitants, whose origins are not of wandering across distant lands but stories of rooted emergence. This day is not just a celebration for us; it’s a poignant reminder of our heritage and the responsibilities that come with it.

Yet, as we honor the past, we are also acutely aware of the challenges that loom in the present. 

Colonization continues to cast its shadow in new and evolving ways. At NASP, we firmly believe in the sanctity of life, from conception to natural death. It deeply troubles us to witness the blatant disregard for the lives of the unborn. Every child, born or unborn, is a beacon of hope, a continuation of our legacy, and deserves to be cherished and protected.

Another concern that weighs on our collective heart is the increasing detachment from our traditional diets. The drive-thru convenience has led many in our community to consume highly processed foods, harming our health and severing our connection to the practices of who we are as People. Further, entrusting our health to global “health” entities, like forced injections, feels like relinquishing the self-reliance and wisdom our ancestors held dear.

With its vast reach, the entertainment world often paints a skewed stereotype of our culture – we can say since the beginning of Hollywood. Seeing our rich history and traditions diluted or misrepresented for mass consumption is disheartening. And we are expected to trust their philanthropic advice when convenient for them? We must champion authentic narratives and ensure our stories are told with the respect they deserve.

While we are all for a healthy planet, it should not be at the expense of our rights to live a healthy, safe, and productive life. The increasing federal control over our lands – in the name of preserving Sacred Land – feels like colonization repeating itself – this time, we were promised price-fixing and subsidized “Green” technologies, with our sovereignty again under threat.

We’ve always believed that our past holds the keys to our future. We can cancel someone from the past, but we cannot change the transgressions of history. But we can certainly learn from them. 

This Indigenous Peoples Day and Native American Day, we celebrate our heritage and recommit ourselves to safeguarding our traditions, rights, and future. We urge our fellow Native Americans to remember our past, make informed decisions, and ensure our legacy shines bright for future generations.