March 26, 2020 — Learning Right Relations

In this time, we work to center the voices of Indigenous peoples both near and far. We hope you are all staying safe and healthy, and urge everyone to do all you can to protect yourselves, your family and community. There are still lots of opportunities to learn, engage and organize in this moment!

Please continue reading for related news:

Indigenous leadership and wisdom in the time of covid-19:

The Lummi Nation was recognized for their proactive approach to addressing the spread of covid-19 in our region and their community. Click here to read article published on March 18th in The Guardian: Native American tribe takes trailblazing steps to fight Covid-19 outbreak

Click here to read the Community Update issued by the Lummi Indian Business Council on March 22nd.

The Indigenous Environmental Network has released a Covid-19 Statement, which begins with the following statement: "IEN was born of hope, courage and common vision. During this time of great upheaval and hardship we remain optimistic in the face of fear and we remain committed to justice in the face of new threats. We also continue to hold in our collective hearts and minds a beautiful vision for the health and wellbeing of our Indigenous peoples, our Mother Earth, and the full Circle of Life." Click here to read full statement.

Click here to read The Indigenous Environmental Network's newsletter featuring statement from Climate Justice Alliance: Climate Justice Alliance Demands an Immediate End to Trump's Xenophobia and Negligence - Calls for a Just Recovery Response to COVID-19 that Centers the Most Vulnerable

NDN Collective also issued a statement on March 19th on Covid-19, click here to read: A Time for Spiritual Fortitude

Click here to watch the first webinar in a series of conversations about Covid-19 and how Indian Country is dealing with the global pandemic: Indian Country and COVID-19 Indigenous Rising Media Webinar

Vanamali (Mali) Hermans, a disabled Indigenous organizer living and working in Canberra, Australia, shares about mutual aid, catastrophe and how we survive in the Movement Memos podcast: What to Do When the World Is on Fire

Wisdom from Crazy Horse:

"Upon suffering beyond suffering; the Red Nation shall rise again and it shall be a blessing for a sick world. A world filled with broken promises, selfishness and separations. A world longing for light again. I see a time of seven generations when all the colors of mankind will gather under the sacred Tree of Life and the whole Earth will become one circle again. In that day there will be those among the Lakota who will carry knowledge and understanding of unity among all living things, and the young white ones come to those of my people and ask for this wisdom. I salute the light within your eyes where the whole universe dwells. For when you are at the center within you and I am that place within me, we shall be as one." - Crazy Horse

For more information on this prophecy, click here to visit Earth Wisdom Foundation website.

CALL TO ACTION:

The Indigenous Environmental Network recently developed the "Five Principles for Just COVID-19 Relief and Stimulus" initiative, in partnership with a larger coalition of organizations. IEN worked to ensure tribal and Indigenous communities are represented and supported during this time. IEN is calling for a People's Bailout, centered in justice for those hit the hardest by Covid-19. Click here to find out more about the People's Bailout, including how to take action.