When I think of “Elevating Indigenous Voices,” I first think of how our voices have been silenced for so long – Silenced almost to permanency as the attempted genocide came to our people. Indigenous voices in this nation went from absolute majority, pre-colonization, to a mere 2% minority. The historic and significant loss of land, resources, culture, language, children, and more, at the hands of the powers within the United States of America (USA), has contributed to the silencing of our people. What does it mean to elevate Indigenous voices? To me, elevating Indigenous voices means finally being heard. Elevating Indigenous voices means being acknowledged. Elevating Indigenous voices means seeing us as people who occupied this land, for millennia, with a relationship to it and with one another to honor the ancestors that came before us, our people of today, and those to come. Elevating Indigenous voices means there will be progress toward a better day.
Setting aside a few days a year to recognize our existence shows some action by state and local governments. At the Federal level, there are efforts to undo the harm towards Indigenous people across the country by opening up platforms to hear our voices. An example of elevating Indigenous voices is through the land acknowledgment presented at the beginning of meetings, conferences, gatherings, etc. The importance of a land acknowledgment attributes to hearing our voices and for us to say we are here, on this land, before any others. As futile as it may seem to some, for Indigenous people, it is the beginning of reconciliation, healing, and being seen and heard.
On September 23, 2019, I had the opportunity to receive the proclamation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom declaring “Native American Day” in California. Governor Newsom made an apology, not too long after, to the Native Americans in California. The apology declared the establishment of a Truth and Healing Council “to provide Native Americans a platform to clarify the historical record and work collaboratively with the state to begin the healing process” (taken from CA.gov Office of Gavin Newsom webpage). The Truth and Healing Council is composed of Tribal representatives that will have their voices heard to change our story that is told by sharing the truth that will lead to the healing of our people.
Indigenous Peoples Day will be celebrated in San Diego County to honor the culture and history of the Indigenous people living in the United States of America before and after the arrival of Columbus. San Diego is one of 30 states and one federal district that observes Indigenous Peoples Day instead of “Columbus Day.” On Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, or any day of the year for that matter, when you come across this, think about it, or listen to an Indigenous person, you too can take action in elevating their voices. Indigenous peoples, who this nation taught to believe no longer existed or considered mythical or savage creatures, have survived through the strength and resilience of our ancestors to the present day to become the hope for the preservation of future generations. Our voices were always here. It takes allies acting in solidarity with our communities to ensure they hear our voices in a way that brings about meaningful change. Ask with humility, seek Native American organizations for funding opportunities, advocate for land back initiatives, learn the name of the tribe whose land you reside, acknowledge it with gratitude, and pay your respects to the struggle by not inducing more harm. Elevate our voices. By doing so, you are contributing to a great future for all.
Ojayaay, eyaay ahun. (Thank you, my heart is well)
Sunni Dominguez
Tribal STAR Assistant Program Coordinator
Ways to take action: