By Justin Huenemann, Program Officer, Northwest Area Foundation
Last month, I was invited by a Native student organization to speak at their local college about “Indians” for National Native American Heritage Month (and it was Thanksgiving week). In attendance were students, staff and surprisingly, faculty. There was a good mixture of Native and non-native folks, including several international students. The group was comfortably small, allowing greater flexibility for questions and conversation. To begin, I asked everyone to introduce themselves and to share one fact they knew about Native Americans. I reinforced, “It has to be a fact, any fact.” As we went around the room, the nervousness and consistent inability to articulate one fact about Native Americans was prevalent. People, understandably, did not want to make a mistake, offend, express ignorance or reveal lack of knowledge. And in many cases, they simply did not know a fact. Most started with saying, “I think, but am not completely sure this is a fact, but…” Even the Native students were a bit nervous. I was friendly and reassuring, keeping the mood light and non-judgmental. At the end of this process, we had a lively discussion about what just took place. (And then I wowed them with my speech…)
I strongly believe that we are all related, inextricably tied together by the twine of creation. And in order to elevate concepts like racial equity, human rights, and social justice, we must engage in the uncomfortable, make some mistakes, reveal a little of our ignorance, and be willing to question the unquestionable.
Yes, Native American issues are complex. Yes, U.S. history and relationship with Native Americans are ugly. Yes, guilt and shame are real. Yes, Native people have not forgotten and will not forget. Yes, there are still lots of pain and healing to be done. Yes, Native Americans like to laugh.
Knowing racial equity and justice are major mountains to climb, I offer that any actions of engagement, inclusion, relationship building, investment, understanding, healing etc. should be vetted carefully through the discerning adjectives — genuine, intentional, humble, just, authentic, etc. If our grant making and organizing can’t pass this smell and taste test, perhaps a return to the kitchen is in order.
Was my time at the college campus worth it? Yes! Because I know that the Native students humbly and respectfully invited me to their campus to help build authentic relationships with other students and were intentional about building understanding about Native peoples and issues. They were genuine about their intentions and the result was another small step on our collective healing journey.
And we all laughed….