Note from Liz (Nov 2019)

A growing number of communities are observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day in October rather than Columbus Day. Our team, as part of our learning journey, has been exploring the (incorrect) mythology of our nation being ‘discovered’ as a ‘new land’. In reality, the nation was rich with culture, history, and people who had been here, and remain here, even after many attempts to remove them and eliminate them from the history books.

To honor Indigenous communities is to acknowledge the horrors and injustices of the past, and those that continue today. There is much to learn. We are thankful to gracious teachers in our region’s tribal communities who share with us, patiently offering correction and further resources when we inevitably make mistakes.

We reached out to Candice Wilson, former North Sound team member, to hear her thoughts on this time of year. An article was shared by our team that we want to share with you: For Native Americans, Fall is the Least Wonderful Time of the Year.

Please continue to join us on this learning journey.

Liz

Another recommended reading: An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People (ReVisioning American History for Young People) – Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. You can get this at your local library.