As we ponder the season of “good will toward men” many wish for a way to bring light and language to Indigenous knowledge and cultural differences. We live in a time where we need to know the heart of Indigenous knowledge systems in a sense that is much deeper than what is accepted socially and politically.
As Indigenous people develop their “Western lens,” we need to understand how we fit in Western society in general and how Western society has been challenged with altered environments, diseases that seem insurmountable and behaviors that are unrecognizable. We know as Indigenous people that we do not live apart from Western society and that many Indigenous people move back and forth in two worlds on a daily basis and that the ripple effect of both worlds affect everyone.
When Indigenous thought intuits a great imbalance, we look at the significance of diversity, language and world knowledge systems in order to speak to the source and or spirit of the imbalance. Native communities have sufficient knowledge of the sacred that enables them to have difficult conversations in order to further the understanding of and compassion for Indigenous human beings and their complexities. We understand that all people have a collective responsibility to one another as human beings and see our shared concerns and the importance of taking our proper place as moral beings.
Winter holidays are about being with loved ones and remembering those who walked on. The stories and life experience of all people need to be celebrated because we come from different traditions, cultures, and origins. It is important for most Indigenous people to have western people begin to understand our unique creation stories that place us in our geographical, physical, and spiritual environments. Many Indigenous people know that giving life and respect to our differences helps all people to be fully human.
Numerous Indigenous peoples believe that there is no coincidence that most Americans celebrate the spirit of man and our inherent holiness at the same time in this country and in many parts throughout the world. Let it be known that we have this great opportunity in this season to listen to what is really spoken, meant, and known about the world in which we live and to be healed and whole by it.
Our place reflect our hearts as we wish happiness, contentedness, and fulfillment to each and every one. As people, allow all of our knowledge, however we chose to express it show in our being. World wisdom shouts out to all of us and says; may we all enjoy inner peace and ease, and may there be peace in this world and throughout the entire universe.
As I have done in previous columns, I asked some others to speak about their experiences. This week, specifically about maternal and paternal sovereign status.
Tashina Branchaud
I am an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. I am married to my husband Shane, and have three children: Jayson 12, Arianna 10, and Rylei 8. We reside on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. I am currently a student at BSU. I am majoring in social work and minoring in chemical dependency. My parents are Connie Berg and Raymond Smith. Connie is enrolled in Red Lake, and Raymond is enrolled in Warm Springs. This is unique because their tribes are the last two closed reservations in the United States. I was always fascinated by this because I didn’t know anyone else with the same kind of family tree as I had. My whole life I thought this was supposed to have a bigger meaning, I thought I was supposed to do something important because my ancestral background was special. Hopefully this will prove to be true one day.
What is your earliest education experience?
I was born in Bemidji but I was raised in Red Lake. My educational experience has been pretty traditional. I attended school in Red Lake from kindergarten through 12th grade. Shortly after my high school graduation, I joined the United States Navy. I served five years honorably and returned home. I worked a few jobs between returning home and going to college, but I never had that sense of “this is what I was born to do.”
How has western education affected you?
Western education has affected me in a positive way. I know if I had stayed home after high school I would have had the opportunity to work, but I didn’t think I would get far without an education beyond high school; I knew with an education, a college degree, that I would have a better chance at success. I graduated from Northwest Tech with my general business certificate and office support diploma. I knew I wanted to go into a helping/service field. After doing some research I decided to transfer to BSU because of the great social work program they have. I truly enjoy helping people who want to help themselves.
As a person living in two worlds what words of wisdom do you have to share?
I have been told “no” a lot. I have found that persistence and reorganization is key. If we all simply gave up on everything because we were told no, we wouldn’t be able to reach our goals. Also, have a plan for when you start hearing yes.
Did you know
According to David Barret, (2015), “World Christian Encyclopedia: A comparative survey of churches and religions AD 30 to 2200,” there are 19 major world religions, which are subdivided into a total of 270 large religious group, and many smaller ones. Basic information has categorized Tribal Religions, Shamanism, and Animism with approximately 232 million membership and makes up 4 percent of the entire world religions. Indigenous native people in the U.S. have distinct spiritual practices that are daily principals recognized under the Freedom of Religion Act in 1978.
Delgado is a professor of Native American studies at Bemidji State University