Yesterday, thousands upon thousands of folks across the US celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day. The push for this change has deep, anti-colonalistic roots, and to my knowledge this has been ongoing for years (centuries), with some parts of the country been met with success while others have not yet.
Seattle and Bellingham are two of the major cities in the Puget Sound (also or better known as the Salish Sea) that have begun this decolonization shift in the language and perspective of American history. When I moved here in 2014, it happened to be the year that native activists and allies got the city of Seattle to recognize and unanimously designate the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day. Just weeks after I settled into the city, there was a gathering and celebration for this historical change at the local Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center.
My knowledge up to that point of the rich history and centuries-long trauma that the indigenous peoples of the Americas had come from indie documentaries, having lived and worked with the native Emberà and Guna in Panamá, climate marches and rallies in Los Angeles led by the Pachamama Alliance, and a few interactions with the Sechelt peoples in what is British Columbia today. Being a foreigner to this land myself, yet also having been discriminated against by the same underlying system of racism and oppression, I remember being really keen to experience and somehow take part in supporting the local indigenous peoples, their cultures and identity. Looking back, I suppose I also felt strongly that it would be a safe space for all peoples no matter their appearance or background.
The day at the Daybreak Star was truly one that stirred the soul, moved the core, and fed the spirit. I had no idea that tribes from as far north as Alaska, as far east as the Mississippi, and as far south as central America would converge at the gathering. Dozens of folks worked non-stop to prepare, cook, and serve up hot food for everybody - which included freshly caught local salmon, an integral part of the peoples' diet. Children played around the vicinity, old friends caught up, hands were shook, bodies embraced, songs sung, ancestors remembered, and dozens of drums were beat for what felt like hours. I especially appreciated the time that was taken with everyone's attention to acknowledge those present and came before them, to those who have traveled far, to those who represent more than just themselves, and for the incredible amount of work and collaboration needed in the years and generations ahead.
I remember asking a few people who stood out to be leaders at the event for permission to photograph the evening of songs and dances, as I didn't wish to overstep boundaries and make some feel uncomfortable. I gifted all of my images to the good folks at Daybreak Star afterwards. I carry these images and the emotions felt then with me. 6 years later yesterday, I was thrilled to see one of my images be used for their live streaming event online in celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, and the wide attendance and support the organizers have received from individuals, local businesses, as well as the city in continuing this tradition.
Our collective support for indigenous peoples all across the world is especially important right now as we already see and experience ourselves the consequences of human-induced climate change while many "leaders" of nation-states, corporations, as well as individuals continue to exploit our earth for short-term financial gains of the few and in feeding our addiction of a bottomless more. As we mobilize to stand in solidarity with those who are discriminated against, those who are marginalized and oppressed, don't forget, especially for those of us in the Americas, whose land we dwell and borrow from.
Learn more about the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, and umbrella organization that runs the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center from their site. Donate to their cause here.
Their livestreaming event yesterday can be re-watched here.
In solidarity today, and everyday,
Jonathan
PS: Supporters on patreon also have access to the rest of the photo album from that evening. I am dedicating more energy to creating content for my patrons this month onwards. While I will still post to social media, they'll more often be distilled versions at best, except when it comes to social justice and environmental issues like this. This year, as the pandemic cancels large gatherings and big weddings, my source of income has become much more reliant on Patreon. Access the extended post here https://www.patreon.com/posts/42723032 and consider becoming a supporter for me and my content!
