Candice Wilson: Fall Holidays (Nov 2019)

I read the article, For Native Americans, Fall is the Least Wonderful Time of the Year. There’s a lot of truth to it. I didn’t realize that Fall is like this for us, but it is. I’d like to ask you to take a moment to reflect on what it would mean for you as an Indigenous person.

Now Si’am Ne Schalecha Si’am – Greetings Friends & Family

The ambiance of Autumn. For those of us blessed to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest of the North Sound we feel the welcoming cooler weather, the cool crisp air, the morning dew, we see the fog that blankets the landscape, and we change our clocks back an hour for daylight savings. It’s the transformation of seasons. A reminder that change allows us to find purpose.

I am hopeful that you find a sense of purpose to change the way you observe the norm, to look at a perspective differently, to summon and evoke thoughtful and meaningful considerations.

‘What would that look like?’ you may ask. It would look like a consciousness of reckoning. An acknowledgement of People who have been here since time immemorial. There would be a recognition of “Indigenous Peoples Day,” without controversy, but a mere validation of salutation. Imagine even more so, that there would be no more derogatory mascots or chants for schools, colleges, or professional sports teams. No more Native American caricature Halloween costumes or outfits. Visualize a transformation of the normative and envision a gratitude for Indigenous People. A symbolic appreciation to be right and just, to be the norm.

Could this possibly be? It’s up to you. Because during this time of the year, we as Indigenous People, either avoid the ignorance altogether, excuse it, or never-it-mind, or cringe at the thought of being dishonored or disgraced. By chance we speak up, in hope to educate others.

The change of season is good. Change of heart & mind is even better. Transformation is meaningful when we evolve with compassion and understanding. It is the purpose of change. I hope you consider change.

Est’itemsen – I am doing the best that I can.

Hy’shqe – thank you.

Quatz’tenaut – Candice Wilson