Thanksgiving
Giving thanks today for the warmth of my home.
For the strength in my legs that carried me on a soggy 5K this afternoon.
For the internet which lets me connect to the world outside my door.
For the freedoms of speech and press which which allow me to hear of the struggle of the Wampanoag tribe in Massachusetts, at risk of losing what land they have remaining to them.
I will also share Thanksgiving blessings, but anything I have to say on this US holiday would be remiss if I didn't also tell you (and it's unfortunate that I have to tell you- I learned this only by searching, determined to try to learn what it might mean to be in accountable relationship with the native people of this land, the Wampanoag):
THE WAMPANOAG TRIBE IS IN DANGER OF LOSING ITS LAND IN TAUNTON BECAUSE A TRUMP-CABINET EDICT IS RETROACTIVELY REFUSING TO GRANT THEM ANY LAND RIGHTS AS THEY WERE NOT RECOGNIZED AS A TRIBE (BY, YOU KNOW, OUR WHITE GOV'T AND ITS EXISTENCE-STANDARDS ROOTED IN GENOCIDE) IN THE 1970S. The Wampanoag tribe in Aquinnah, on MV, also continues to experience both land pressure and persecution, but their claims are less legally fraught.
The "Pilgrim-Indian Story," in ANY telling whatsoever, is ABOUT these people. These specific people. They didn't just disappear. And they invite our solidarity with their cause.
Our getting real about this would be something worth being thankful for. Thank you.
(ht Jordinn Nelson Long)
More Reading:
Lakota Law on the land pressure situation
How to play along
Because safety is a core value for me, I am asking that comments in this space avoid all the ugly things: shame, blame, judgement. I am asking that disagreement and discussion be polite, respectful, generous, and open to vulnerability.
Because community is healthy behavior, I welcome you to comment, to share your thoughts and responses and discuss this with empathy with me and with each other.
