Living Cultures Indigenous Contemporary Realities and the Ongoing Effects of Colonization and Erasure

Part of Mosaic Lifespan Curriculum

Open

Quote from Human Rights Careers:

“Our history is a living history, that has throbbed, withstood and survived many centuries of sacrifice. Now it comes forward again with strength. The seeds, dormant for such a long time, break out today with some uncertainty, although they germinate in a world that is at present characterized by confusion and uncertainty.”
– Rigoberta Menchú Tum

Rigoberta Menchú Tum is a K’iche’ Guatemalan feminist, activist, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. The quote above comes from her acceptance speech in 1992. She is known for advocating for the rights of Guatemala’s Indigenous people and Indigenous people globally. She founded the country’s first Indigenous political party, which is called Winaq, and ran for president in 2007 and 2011.

Check-in: What is something from your past (life lived, your history, your ancestors, etc.) that has been calling to you recently??

Read

Decolonization in Everyday Life By Isabella Thurston

Questions:

  • What stood out to you in this reading?
  • What experience have you had with the idea of decolonization?
  • The article mentions “Canada” as a framework for thought, but do you think the ideas are applicable where you are? Worldwide?

Watch

"We Are Still Here" (YouTube, 8:01) A Documentary on Today's Young Native Americans

Questions:

  • What are your first feelings after watching this video?

  • What stood out to you as something you EXPECTED to see or hear?

  • What was something that surprised you?

Do

  • Reservation | Native Americans | One Word | Cut (YouTube, 3:09)

  • Journaling Outline
    • Using the UUA link as a guide to journaling, spend a few minutes creating something to reflect on this video and other information from the day.
      Pay special attention to the note that not everyone needs to write paragraphs.
      Drawings, word clouds, guided shape drawing – have each person create in whatever way speaks to them.
      Prompt: What burden do you carry in this history and its continuation into today?
      NOTE: This is not for guilt or absolution, but for naming that we all are involved in this history and continue to be involved in the realities of today

Close

Lyla June - All Nations Rise (Official Music Video) (YouTube, 4:37)

Direction: As you listen to this song, think about the risks that it took people and communities to pass down indigenous culture and heritage in the face of colonialism and erasure.

Closing Question: With your reflections in mind, what is one thing you want to carry on or pass on from your past and heritage? Or what might it be time to finally let go of?

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