Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day - a day that serves to shift narratives, acknowledge history, and honor and celebrate the culture, contributions, and histories of this land’s indigenous people.
Integral to the foundations of this day is reexamining whitewashed narratives of American History, acknowledging and understanding that this land was not one to be “discovered,” as Indigenous peoples were already here; acknowledging and understanding the arrival of colonists resulted in genocide, stolen land, forcible removal, displacement, deception, erasure, racism, ethnic cleansing, and beyond. It is important to learn about and use the real language of what has happened to address and heal the ongoing impacts of these harmful actions. One of the first steps in honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day is to educate yourself and unpack mythologized histories you may have learned.
In the watershed, we occupy the territory of the Lenape, referred to in some regions as the Lenapehoking (Lenape Homelands); the Lenape are the original inhabitants, cultivators, and stewards of this land and their territory encompasses New Jersey, northern Delaware, eastern Pennsylvania, and southeastern New York. The Lenape are an active and present collection of peoples represented by various tribes and nations across this region, and due to the forcible removal from their original land, across the country.
As we look towards celebrating and honoring Indigenous Peoples Day as environmental organizations, it is important to see it as an ongoing, year-round effort. It serves as an opportunity to improve efforts to center native voices, knowledge, and stewardship. As organizations and people serving and residing in the Delaware River Watershed, we are deeply connected to the value of this land and waters. Which is why it is critical to ensure this connection is whole, that it includes the original people of this land, an understanding of the history, and incorporates ongoing, authentic commitments to action.
As a Coalition dedicated to the environment and the people of what we now call the Delaware River Watershed, we call upon ourselves and our members to honor Indigenous Peoples Day today and every day by taking a thoughtful and honest inventory of where we are and act on where we need to go. Commit to consistently using your voice and power to uplift the wisdom and needs of the indigenous peoples of this land and create a holistically empowered environment for all beings. Here are some steps, action items, and growth points you can commit to personally and organizationally.
Personal Level
Make a commitment to learning: First and foremost, it is key to learn. Commit to understanding the history and current culture of the tribe(s) in your area. Understand the real history and consequences of colonization – the consequences of which have very real impacts to this day. Seek information and resources created by indigenous people. Critically examine the language and way stories are told when reading resources not created by indigenous people. You can read books, research online, and visit museums. Do not ask indigenous people to do the mental and emotional labor for you. Here are a few actions to get you started:
Hone your DEIJ lens
Use your voice – call people in, challenge harmful behavior
Support Indigenous businesses and content
Donate money to organizations and/or Tribes
Check out Illuminative for education and action tools
Scroll to the end of this article for even more resources!
Organizational Level
Learn, Integrate, Advocate: Advocate for a dedicated time and space for all staff members to educate themselves about Indigenous Peoples in your area, the issues that are important to them, and the national and historical context of these issues.
Then dedicate time for your team to discuss these learnings, take inventory of where your organization has been lacking on Indigenous issues, and identify spaces where your organization can be supportive and/or lift up their voices
As you continue to learn, consistently use this awareness and lens in the workplace. Call on others to commit to learning. Examine the representation in the spaces you’re working in. Examine who’s needs and/or voices are considered in projects. Identify those gaps, say something, and do something about it.
Take Action on Indigenous Peoples’ Day
An Advocate’s Guide to Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Illuminative)
Amplify Indigenous People’s Day to your networks
Building Relationships
As you do this work, you will identify your gaps, but avoid reaching out to Indigenous groups for the sake of diversifying your organization. Your goal shouldn’t be to make your work look better or use tribes to advance your goals. It should be to use your platform and power to uplift voices and support the missions of indigenous peoples.
Because of the harm, history, and challenges indigenous communities have faced, building these relationships requires consent, trust building, and time. Make sure you and your organization have done the internal work first before reaching out externally. If you do so before you’re ready, you risk causing more harm. Also be aware that indigenous groups may not have the time, interest, or capacity to work with you. This is okay and it is important to continue investing in education and improving your platforms solidarity and effectiveness in supporting indigenous peoples.
Mindful Outreach
As you embark on outreach, ensure it is mindful. Ensure the voices you intend to serve are consulted and included. Ensure issues, research, and information are being identified from indigenous sources. Again, starting with education and intentional relationship building is key. Consult resources that are available to ensure you’re not perpetuating harmful narratives or false priorities.
Land Acknowledgement
Land acknowledgements are one way to affirm, raise awareness, and acknowledge indigenous peoples’ culture, histories, and relationships to the land.
Land Acknowledgement – Ramapo Munsee Lenape Network
Land Acknowledgement - Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation
The following resources provide excellent guidance on developing your own meaningful land acknowledgements:
A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement – Native Governance Center
Honor Native Land: A Guide and Call to Acknowledgement – U.S. Department of Arts and Culture
As emphasized in the above resource, land acknowledgments are a valuable gesture, but it is important to ensure there are meaningful actions behind them. Ongoing education, amplification of native voices, relationship building, taking action, and being in service are just a few of the ways to ensure you and your organization can create ongoing value and authentically celebrate Indigenous People’s Day.
Explore the resources below to learn more about the Lenape, Indigenous Peoples Day, and the history of this region:
Learn
Take Action
An Advocate’s Guide to Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Illuminative)
Changing the Narrative About Native Americans - A Guide for Allies
11 Things to Do on Indigenous Peoples Day! | Cultural Survival
Acts of Solidarity on Indigenous Peoples Day and Beyond | Cultural Survival
Lenape Nations, Tribes, Programs and Centers