Anti-Racism Resource Guide: Indigenous Edition
- Abbey Kate
- Oct 12, 2020
- 4 min read
I’d like to begin this post with a land acknowledgement. Don’t know what that is? A land acknowledgement is a statement that can be written by organizations and governments at all levels (usually in tandem with members of Indigenous communities) of the lands upon which we live and operate on. It’s not a catch-all, but an important foundational step in bridging the gap in inclusive historical context and amplifying Indigenous voices, providing a moment of reflection for the work that still needs to be done.
I begin by acknowledging that the land I live on and write this blog from is the ancestral land of the Kikapoo, Peoria, Potawatomi, Myaamia, and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ tribes. These lands were the traditional territory of these Native Nations, prior to their forced removal. These lands still echo their centuries-long stories struggle for survival and identity in the wake of dispossession. I recognize my responsibility to the peoples of this land and strive to address that history so it may guide my work and inform others now and in the future.
One of my first posts regarding my antiracism work was centered in academia, through the history museum for which I previously worked. I was introduced to the concepts of inclusive history and anti-racism initiatives through a workshop with the brilliant Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko, formerly of the Abbe Museum in Maine, by way of decolonization in museums. You can read my thoughts on that initial workshop in this post, but keys learnings were around reducing trauma or harm to indigenous people and crafting inclusive history. It sparked my commitment to antiracism in all its forms.
By now you may have read my first anti-racism resource guide, which contains educational resources primarily centered around the black experience in America. I knew I wanted to take learnings and resources I had gleaned from that initial decolonization workshop as well as additional research I’ve conducted in the last year (I’ve been particularly interested in preserving native foodways) to compile an indigenous focused guide.
So, in light of Indigenous People’s Day (yes, because fuck Columbus and his genocidal ass), here is an Indigenous focused resource guide for you to begin your journey.
And also, please stop using the term “savage” and “spirit animal;” it’s harmful. Fun Fact: At my job interview in Charleston back in January, where I interviewed with ten people in six hours, one of my interviewers asked me, “What is your spirit animal?” as a lighthearted question. I paused. Hesitated. I could’ve easily though about any animal and laughed it off. Instead, I thought of that workshop from a few months prior and made the choice to not sit idly by. I calmly explained that I couldn’t answer that question because it causes harm to Indigenous communities, my antiracism work and the framework of decolonization in my current museum role, and offered to answer any other question like my favorite color or Harry Potter Patronus as an alternative. She looked startled, asked me my Harry Potter Patronus (for which I answered), and then gave me death glares for the rest of the group interview. Clearly, I didn’t get the job. And if this exchange had anything to do with it, I am so glad I didn’t. EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES ON RACISM, INDIGENOUS FOCUSED
Books, Articles, Magazines, and More (in no particular order):
History That Promotes Understanding in a Diverse Society (see page 143)
Abbe Museum Strategic Plan (also explore their exhibit, People of the First Light)
Video, Film, & Television:
Podcasts:
For Parents & Teachers:
Organizations:
TAKING ACTION
Support Indigenous:
Donate:
Political Activism:
Thanksgiving is just around the corner for my fellow American readers. I encourage you to incorporate some form of land acknowledgement into your meal celebration and consider the native foodways that have been colonialized for generations.
As always, this guide is a work in progress. Send me information and resources to update and I will because we're in this together. Decolonization practices are the roadmap to indigenous liberation. I hope to see you do the work with me.
*Updated 10.12.20
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