NDN Collective Stories

In this Q & A interview, Nick shares some of his reflections and big picture takeaways from the past two and a half years. Nick faced up to 17 years behind bars after a #LANDBACK protest in the Black Hills on July 3, 2020.

“While this financial commitment is unprecedented and significant, funding alone won’t solve the racial equity gap. Movement building must continue. Policy and advocacy work must continue to disrupt, dismantle, and shift the economic systems that don’t work for us. We can all play a part in that.”

“This cohort of grantee partners represents some of the most impactful work happening across Turtle Island—defending the air, land and water; developing Indigenous economies based on regenerative principles; and revitalizing our languages, cultures and ceremonies in ways that illuminate the path for the next generations.”

"Our delegation has been participating in the Indigenous Peoples Caucus and the Local Communities Indigenous Peoples Platform, as well as tracking negotiations, meeting with government officials, and more."

The outcry of support for ICWA, Tribal sovereignty, and the intervening Tribes involved in this case brought relatives together from across Turtle Island. Hundreds  gathered together in prayer, song, and medicine for the conversation about to take place inside the doors of the Supreme Court on Wednesday, November 9.

Brackeen v. Haaland (2021) is a case whose ruling could shake the entire foundation of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), impacting Native American children, families, land and Tribal sovereignty as we know it.

The report includes data from over 5,000 respondents and represents Indigenous people, including those from all 23 tribes in the tri-state area.

"If we’re fighting for the liberation of our people, then I’m going to use every single tactic available to me in that fight."

Monday October 10 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day and it signifies many things to Indigenous people across Turtle Island. From a day of celebration, a space to honor those we have lost, or the recognition of the work still ahead of us, we shine light on the beautiful reflections of what this day represents.

The webinar included a presentation by Dr. Gaurab Basu, of Cambridge Health Alliance, in collaboration with the NDN Collective Climate Justice Team, providing information needed to prepare and adapt to the heat and climate change health equity crisis.