The Partnership is honored to commemorate Native American Heritage Month with a guest column from Kim McIver of Quiet Souls in Freeport. Kim is also an Illinois Road Scholar and award-winning Ojibwa author from the White Earth Reservation in northwest Minnesota. We asked Kim a few questions to provide a better understanding of Native culture.
As most of you know, November is National Native American Heritage Month. It’s a time to honor the native people and their contributions to the collective culture that is our United States of America. Next year, we are approaching the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
So, what does it mean to be a Native American, and how did the signing of that document affect us as a people?
Being a native means we are the “First People.” It means we have been around a long time before white settlers moved in and brought their culture with them. As their culture moved in, ours was pushed aside. We were considered “merciless Indian savages” in the Declaration of Independence, and most people believed what was written about us.
We honor our elderly. We take care of the land. We honor two-spirit people. But we are human, which means we hurt, and bleed, and have been traumatized by others. But we have persevered through it all, and are still here, hanging onto what is ours, trying to get back what once was ours, and trying to open up, if even a little bit, so that others may understand us.
We are proud to be Americans. We fought alongside many others in wars around the world. We hold the American flag in high esteem, and it flies over our pow wows and special events.
No one can take away from you who you are. Not your friends, colleagues, not even the government. Standing firm in your personal beliefs and your truth is what makes us individuals.
All we ask is to be treated fairly and kindly. As a matter of fact, every culture asks that.
What can people do this month to honor the Native people? Attend events. In Freeport, Quiet Souls Events and Education hosts many events throughout the year, including CONA (Celebration of Native Americans), an MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Two-Spirit) honoring ceremony, and the Harvest Dinner, which will be held this month.
Learn and educate yourself on the culture. This dispels myths and replaces them with reality. Do not purchase Native American crafts from non-native people. They are out to make a buck, not pass on anything honoring the people who crafted it.
We, at Quiet Souls, wish you a happy Thanksgiving with your family. Remember, whatever culture you are a part of, it is important. Share it with others if you can.
And please remember those who have come before you, as in your ancestors, who hold great knowledge. May we all find kindness towards each other.
Miigwich (thank you) for listening.
Gigawabamen (So long)
