INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY
Today is Indigenous Peoples' Day.
I am writing this post because the loss of indigenous people and their wisdom on our planet, the atrocities they face, and the loss of language, traditions and sacred lands, is no longer only their problem. It is ours as well. In the face of climate change and destruction of our planet by powerful forces, we need them and their wisdom more than ever. The planet needs them.
If your knowledge of indigenous contribution on our planet and in maintaining what’s left of our humanity is limited, that's okay, I will share a little bit here:
Indigenous peoples are 5% of the global population and protect 80% of the planet's biodiversity. Protecting the Amazon is not only for Brazilians or South Americans, but for the world. The Amazon is a vital organ in the global biosphere. Similarly, indigenous wisdom, indigenous languages, traditions and cultures are not simply decorative but are the roots of humanity and human connection with each other and our planet.
On the last day of the Topanga Film Festival (yesterday), we had two very powerful films (The Inhabitants, and Territory) screened with a Q&A with the Director, and two very powerful panel discussions, one of which I was honored to host.
The panel I hosted was called the Indigenous Story Panel, a discussion about film, art and storytelling in relation to the indigenous peoples, and some very powerful points were covered.
The six panelists included:
Freda Sideroff, Director of the Garifuna Indigenous International Film Festival
Paul Redman, the Director of If Not Us Then Who, an organization which puts cameras in the hands of indigenous youth worldwide so they can tell their own stories
D'Pharaoh Woon-a-Tai, First Nations actor who plays Bear Smallhill in the TV Series RESERVATION DOGS
Chumash Romero, a Chumash youth who helped edit KISS THE GROUND, a drone pilot, spoken word artist, whose gradnfather was the chairman of the Chumash of California
Izzy Chasinghorse, Native American from Alaska, brother of Quannah Chasinghorse
Merika, Pueblo Indian, photographer and documentarian
Four Native American/First Nations youth and two highly established people bringing indigenous stories to the forefront.
Woon-a-Tai talked about how it was to be on set with a completely indigenous cast and crew, the lack of hierarchy, knowing the terms and common customs without having to explain them constantly. Paul spoke about how there was deep respect for everything being filmed everytime he put a camera in the hands of indigenous youth. Chumash shared the importance of art in overcoming trauma among indigenous youth. Izzy, Freda, and Merika shared deep truths about indigenous storytelling and how they can bring a change to the world especially with respect to the kind of information we are spreading into the world via film, since stories among the indigenous consist of lessons to help one grow, included respect for ancestors and ancient wisdom. The panel was powerful. And it gave me so much hope to see the youth taking into control what was stolen from them through storytelling, film and art. I will share the link for viewing in a later email when it becomes available. Watch a snippet of it here.
“I am writing this email today because it is INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY and I have a request. Can you pledge to take ONE action today?”
Actionable steps for the Amazon:
1. Curl up on your couch this evening and watch the movie TERRITORY with your family, beloved, kids, or friends.
2. Plan to host a screening for TERRITORY with all your friends. National Geographic has made arrangements for a FREE SCREENING of this film for this upcoming month.
https://picturemotion.typeform.com/to/RXzEp9mC?typeform-source=theterritoryimpact.org
Take advantage of it and host a screening at your home or local restaurant, school or community center, and have a discussion. Have those who attend, follow these steps as well. We are the ones who can change the future of our planet for our kids. The Amazon has reached the tipping point. We are losing the heart of our world. The political forces and corporations are too powerful and too blind to let the indigenous people survive and protect their rainforests. They are blinded by greed and money and will stop at nothing to eliminate them, cut down the entire rainforest, so they can breed more cattle.
3. If you have highly influential friends, especially those in the academy or in the music industry, have them watch it or have them speak for it. The world needs Brazil to vote for the right leader in their October 30 election. Jair Bolsonaro is a danger to Brazil and the world. This will actually decide the fate of humanity. The youth of Brazil are not voting and need to be inspired to vote. Having their idols in the film and music industry speak up about it on their social media may inspire them to go out and vote.
4. Take a good look at your own consumption of soy and beef and either
Pledge to cut it down, or
Find a source/company that does not engender deforestation for the sake of cattle breeding to provide beef and soy to the United States.
5. Go to https://theterritoryimpact.org and see the list of actionable steps and see which one appeals to you the most and take that action TODAY.
Actionable steps for Indigenous Wisdom/Breaking Pre-conceived notions:
1. Find out about your own roots, your own language, your lineage, and learn about it, teach it to your children or share it with your loved ones. Have a discussion today.
2. Learn about another indigenous culture’s wisdom and share with your loved ones.
3. Go to https://ifnotusthenwho.me and watch one of the films. Many are stories of the indigenous people told by the indigenous youth.
4. Follow indigenous youth taking action, filmmakers and photographers telling stories of these people without objectifying them. Start a conversation with them. Break the barriers.
5. Watch the movie Inhabitants or read an article on National Geographic.
6. Lastly, feel free to write to me. I am here to answer any question you may have to the best of my ability, or if I can't I may be able to direct you to the right resource. If you aren't already, you can follow me on Instagram here.
CELEBRATE THE PRESENCE OF INDIGENOUS WISDOM AND PEOPLES ON OUR PLANET. GIVE BACK IN WHATEVER WAY YOU CAN. BE A STRONG VOICE. BREAK YOUR OWN PRE-CONCEIVED NOTIONS. MAKE THIS DAY COUNT, so that this one day soon becomes every day.
We were all once indigenous, living off of our lands, until we forgot. Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day!
with love, Sej