Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day!
Today and everyday, SAIL strives to recognize the resistance, resilience, and long history of indigenous cultures in the U.S. and around the globe. Our organization is rooted in Lingit Aani, the land of the Lingit people, and over 35% of the consumers we serve identify as indigenous. We give thanks to the Lingit people, who have been stewards of this land for over 10,000 years, and from whom we still have much to learn.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes that, long before Christopher Columbus arrived on these shores, the continent of North America was inhabited by millions of people and hundreds of distinct tribes and cultures. And despite the violence and genocide that indigenous communities in the U.S. and around the globe have faced, they are still here, living, thriving, and leading. Commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Day is one way to contribute to the de-erasure of native peoples and celebrate indigenous traditions, cultures, and lives all around the world.
Looking for ways to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day? Here are a few concrete ways you can support native communities:
Read a book/watch a movie/listen to a podcast by indigenous authors – a few of our favorites include:
- An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
- The Tao of Raven: An Alaska Native Memoir, by Ernestine Hayes
- As Long as Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice, from Colonization to Standing Rock, by Dina Gilio-Whitaker
- Berry Song, by Michaela Goade
Purchase items from indigenous makers and artists
Educate yourself about current issues indigenous communities face, and how you can be an ally
Research the indigenous tribe whose land you now live on and consider writing a land acknowledgement to recognize them
Participate in Indigenous People’s Day celebrations. Our local celebrations include:
Sitka: “Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2022: Our Journey Forward”
Monday October 10th 5 pm to 9 pm, University of Alaska Southeast Sitka campus
