Ok, tidbits of knowledge for #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth
This photo is famous in my tribe. It’s a photo of George Gillette weeping as he signs over 152,000+ acres of prime bottom lands prior to the building of the Garrison Dam, something like 70 miles from where I live just

south of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. I’ve seen it hundreds of times, and I know the story very well.

What I want to point out is the tall man on the far right, white hair. That man is James Baker, my grandpa. My dad’s dad.

This fellow:

I am one generation removed from this event. I won’t mince words - this was an all out attack on our way of life and a means of deconstructing/obliterating a group of powerhouse tribes in the Missouri River valley, and it happened to many tribes up and down the river.

Why is this important? Because we so often hear that colonization is in the past. That it’s ancient history.

Don’t buy it. It’s happening all the time. Right now as well. And the U.S. is guilty of a isht ton of it. This photo is to me, physical evidence of the work I’m here for

Ok so now it is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth.

I’m going to ask that you take time to educate yourself on the history of, and current state of affairs for tribes across the U.S. and Indigenous people everywhere for that matter. Becoming a content expert isn’t what I’m asking

Just take some time to learn and know more that what you had previously - I’m doing so as well, for tribes outside my own. I’ll also be on the road a bit doing some educating as I can, throughout this month.

Wanna honor Indigenous people? Then learn about who we truly are and

where we come from. Do your own reading and research. I’m sure there will be opportunities to engage in the coming month as tribal/Indigenous scholars share at events. Take part. Do the work. That in itself is an act of love.