Final Blog- Wilma Mankiller 21st Century Indigenous People
2019 Cherokee National
Holiday & Powwow| Tahlequah Oklahoma
I reviewed the “Challenges
Facing 21st Century Indigenous People” by Arizona State University Library. It
was recorded 2 October 2008 at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. The film featured
Simon Ortiz and Wilma Mankiller. Wilma Mankiller is a former and first female principal
chief of the Cherokee Nation. Wilma Mankiller speaks about the diversity and distinctiveness
of the Indigenous People in the world. She also talks about the duties and
responsibilities to preserve and protect the world. She talks about the beliefs
and importance to take care of nature because it will take of you. Wilma discusses how some cultures don’t have
memories of their origins and in turn they have little understanding of where
they belong in the world. Wilma Mankiller is a speaker on Native issues and
speaks to bridge the gap between Native and non-native communities. I like the analogy
she used about rain forests. She mentioned that it’s not uncommon to see
someone wearing a shirt that says “save the rain forest.” However, she goes on
to say what you never see is one that says “save the people of the rain forest.”
She raises awareness of indigenous peoples because so few people actually know
their real histories. If indigenous people don’t pass along this information it
will be lost and filled with stereotypical stories. I also like what she said
about people not knowing the history of indigenous people or anything about
their forms of government. Even though those same people having been living in
the indigenous towns and villages for hundreds of years. She explains that
there is not only great diversity in indigenous peoples but also within the
community. Wilma Mankiller stated that the Cherokee people have always done
better when they were in control, and she explained how they have picked
themselves up and prospered every time necessary. Being an indigenous person in
the 21st century means sharing the knowledge with any means necessary
she says. I love the Mohawk proverb she uses, “it’s hard to see the future with
tears in your eyes.” Keep moving forward is such a positive message considering
everything indigenous people have endured. This is a great presentation that I recommend
to all. Lets get the truth out about indigenous people.
Wilma Mankiller:
Challenges Facing 21st Century Indigenous People
http://tinyurl.com/oa57bfc Episode 84
2019 Cherokee National
Holiday & Powwow| Tahlequah Oklahoma
Wilma Mankiller was an inspiration to her people and future generations. She provided a voice when people need it most. Prophecies about the world coming to an end are just a scare tactic to get our attention. Native Americans see the world as a gift and if we don't take care of it, Mother Nature will spread its wrath.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the world is a gift, and we need to take better care of it.
DeleteI also wrote about the T-shirt and found that ironic and so true. How is it we have Tshirts that say to save so many places and animals, but never the people that live within those areas. We talk about the loss of land that animals reside in, but have not s=discussed the loss of land that was taken from people who resided or resided in these areas.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a shame that people are either that naive or that they are so caught up is their selfishness that they can't see what is going on.
DeleteOur duties to preserve and protect come with knowing our place. Knowing who we are and finding our place will help us fulfill these duties. Learning the real Indigenous histories can help us all better understand the plight of these peoples and move forward with positive messages from and about Indigenous populations. We non-natives have a lot to learn about the natural world around us and we could start by listening to the stories of the people who were here before us.
ReplyDelete