DIVIDE AND CONQUER

MY TWO BEADS WORTH EDITORIAL

Look all around us - we have so many common issues, yet for too long now, we have spent more time and energy in war amongst ourselves as native peoples. Imageine what we may have accomplished had we put this energy into uniting for common causes.

Many things face us. Poverty, poor health services, the continual racism and disrespect shown to us as a people, to our traditions and even to the final resting places of our Ancestors.

There is more time spent at arguing over who is a real Indian or who isn't. Corruption has invaded too many tribal governments. Overwhelming ego and pride has too often replaced service to the people, for the people and for the generations to come.

From the words and mouths of many who claim to fight for the people, comes great disrespect for women, for the elders, for even themselves. They use foul language that originates from the mouths of a people who came to this land and took and yes, destroyed and continue to destroy. The same people they condemn but whose words and actions they choose to use.

The native peoples are not without blame.

Anger, hurt, rage and sorrow is understood - the atrocities against the native peoples, the intentional genocide that continues to this very moment, is the fuel for great anger.

But in doing what our oppressors have done, does that make us any better? Are we not just as racist when we judge all white people for what has happened in the past?

There are people from all over the world, who are learning more and more about what is happening to the indigenous peoples. The long, hard efforts of those pioneers who fought to get the truth out to those who would listen, about the reality of life as an American Indian/First Nations or Indigenous person, is beginning to take strong root and each day more truth is known - ALL OVER THE WORLD.

But we have to realize that in unity there is strength. That numbers are seen as power in this government's eye of seeing. That those in power - see and know one thing only-the power of the vote. They cultivate it. They cherish it - they are terrified to lose it. Banded together - whether it be a tribal election, or state or federal election, the power of the numbers from the native peoples must be there - united and strong.

We are now beginning to see a movement take place politically, now that our people have realized we must play by their white rules to beat them at their own game.

There are many arguments over blood quantum - but that is one way of dividing us. Divide and Conquer. It is what those few in power always count on and it seems that sometimes we play right into what they count on. The time has come to unite as one loud voice and show the strength we have in our hands and hearts.

With respect for each other's nation and tradition, we can come together for the ultimate goal of making positive change. This is where the energies should go.

So, let us stop warring amongst ourselves.

Let us find our traditional ways. Let us return to the respect due to all women, to our elders, to our children and to life that is all around us. We must work together as the keepers of this land to save earth.

We know that.

Let's do it.

Contents

March 2006 Reports

Last updated on March 25, 2006