They Know Your Heart

The fire whispers secrets in the heart of the circle's embrace,

Shells chime like a hummingbird's song, a smile upon my face.

The singer's voice, a gentle breeze, carries prayers to the sky,

I close my eyes, a warmth spreads deep, a belonging I can't deny.

Our leader's gorget gleams in the firelight, a beacon,  strong and wise,

His words weave stories of our past, a glint in his ancient eyes.

We dance beneath the watchful stars, a tapestry unbound,

Spirits intertwine, a joyful light on sacred ground.

But whispers drift on the twilight breeze, a seed of doubt is sown,

A shadow flickers in the flames, a feeling I've never known.

The leader's gaze, once filled with warmth, now seems a hungry spark,

His touch, a subtle leeching force, leaving its hungry mark.

The fire's song takes on a discordant tone, the shells a mournful sigh,

The stories lose their luster, replaced by a hungry lie.

We, the dancers, are vessels pure, our spirits, vibrant flame,

But the leader seeks to steal our light, to fuel his twisted game.

We yearn for the land beyond the stars, where the ancestors reside,

Where the sacred fire burns eternal, a place where spirits confide.

There, in that land of joyous dance, our true freedom we shall claim,

United with those who came before, forever free from his shame.

The veil parts, a celestial light bathes the ceremonial ground,

The leader reaches out, a desperate plea, a hollow, echoing sound.

But the ancestors turn away, their eyes filled with righteous scorn,

He stands alone, a banished soul, forever to be forlorn.

We join the dance with those who've passed, a circle, whole and bright,

His memory, a wisp of smoke, lost in the eternal light.

Poem Submission: Who are you?

All credit for this work goes to the author, who wishes to remain anonymous.

They say you're from a tribe that's extinct—

Muskogean village in South Carolina.

"All of those tribes out there are fake," they say.

Arrows of mockery pierce your spirit,

Mostly from those of your own kind.

Determined to tear your soul asunder,

To take away your very identity,

To smother your fire, to eternally put it to sleep.

But who are you, deep down inside?

Your ancestors, their tribal identities once robbed,

No longer PeeDee,

No longer Natchez,

All of it erased in the government's eyes.

Reduced to mere "Settlement Indians",

Eventually to "free people of color," yet never truly free.

Tell me, who are you at your core?

Don't tell me about the card in your pocket,

Nor your numbers on a roll,

Neither the "strong, resilient, Indigenous" shirt you wear,

Nor the beadwork you so proudly don, though it shines bright.

You are the grandson of swamps, creeks and rivers,

That of Bull, Goodland, and Rocky Swamp's loving, hidden embrace,

The blood that courses through your veins,

Akin to the deep waters of the Pee Dee and Edisto.

Never be ashamed to proclaim it loud.

You are the grandson of those who survived—

Those who "hid in plain sight," as some say,

You are the descendant of those they wanted gone.

Like whispers carried in the wind,

Your ancestors held onto what they could,

Illegal to be their true selves,

Yet their spirits, ever unyielding.

Embrace your resilient identity, let your spirit rise,

For you are who you have always been, their legacy alive.

Water is Life, and the Supreme Court Disagrees.

The recent Supreme Court ruling that dismissed the Navajo Nation's request for water access is a profound disappointment and frustration. It exemplifies how the colonial judicial system consistently fails Indigenous Peoples, hindering our pursuit of justice and sovereignty.

The situation for the Diné is becoming dire.

Led by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the majority opinion once again displayed a lack of understanding and respect for the historical context and fundamental rights of Indigenous Peoples. By interpreting an 1868 treaty narrowly and ignoring the urgent need for water access, the Court disregards the principle that treaties should uphold their spirit and meaning.

It is disheartening that the Supreme Court, a colonial institution, claims ultimate authority over Indigenous rights and treaty interpretation. This perpetuates the power imbalance between Indigenous Nations and the occupying administration. As Justice Neil Gorsuch noted in his dissent, the Navajo Nation simply sought acknowledgment of their water rights, which are essential for survival. However, the Court rejected their petition, forcing the tribe to persist in their struggle for self-determination and habitat protection.

This ruling underscores the critical importance of Indigenous Autonomism, where Indigenous Peoples exercise sovereignty over their homelands. Relying on colonial government institutions repeatedly exposes us to obstacles and injustices that impede progress and threaten our existence. It is imperative for us Indigenous Peoples to assert our rights and reclaim our traditional systems of governance and decision-making.

The Navajo Nation's fight for water rights reflects the experiences of many Indigenous communities struggling to access safe drinking water, adequate infrastructure, and resources. Dependence on the colonial system consistently fails to address these crucial issues, burdening Indigenous Peoples with historical injustices.

Indigenous Autonomism offers an alternative vision where Indigenous Nations have the authority to choose and manage their affairs, including the stewardship and distribution of vital resources like water. Through self-government and the restoration of our ancient laws and institutions, we can address the real needs of our communities while safeguarding our cultural and natural heritage.

We must condemn the ongoing use of colonial governance institutions that perpetuate injustice and inequality. It is time to forge a new path that respects Indigenous sovereignty and empowers us to shape our own futures. For millennia, Indigenous Peoples have thrived by employing our own systems of governance, management, and harmonious interaction with the Earth. Our future is intimately intertwined with these values.

The recent Supreme Court decision serves as a stark reminder that genuine justice and self-determination can only be achieved by dismantling colonial institutions and fully recognizing Indigenous authority. Society must acknowledge that Indigenous Peoples possess the wisdom, knowledge, and capacity to govern our lands, ensuring a future that benefits not only our communities but also the entire world.