On Freedom

The first stirrings of this piece began as I considered a response to a Facebook post, which queried how or if Native Americans celebrate July 4^th. As the first people of this land, as the host people around whom colonial society grew like an invasive species – all but choking out our traditional societies, cultures, and very existence – it would be understandable if we took a big pass on this holiday, but most of us don’t. We wish each other love, health, and happiness; we enjoy one another’s company as we celebrate and eat a range of foods from hot dogs to frybread. This year that may look like social distancing picnics, barbeques, or pool parties. We also honour our ancestors and the Indigenous and non-Indigenous warriors that have served this country in the military. In fact according to the US Dept. of Defense, Native Americans represent the highest per-capita commitment of any ethnic population to defend the United States with their military service.

Lori Piestewa member of the Hopi tribe, was the first

Native American woman in history to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military. 

Lori died in the Iraq war March 23, 2003.

Arizona's Piestewa Peak is named in her honor.

Lori, Rest in Power, Rest in Peace.

While that truth may seem hard to wrap our heads around, given the devastation wrought upon Indigenous North American cultures by colonialism. Warriorhood is a powerful ethic in Indigenous societies. The strong tradition of warriors as leaders places the draw to military service into cultural context.

When Native American people gather for Pow Wow, the American flag is honoured, as well as armed forces flags and the flags of tribal nations. The colors are carried by veterans, and placed ceremonially during Grand Entry to open the event in a good way. Veterans are respected and given roles of great honour and respect – as the gathered community offers up honour songs and dances of gratitude. The dancers enter the arena greeting each and every veteran with a handshake or hug, and words of gratitude and respect.

So yes, many Indigenous people of the U.S. celebrate Independence and Freedom, on July 4^th, and many other days. Personally, I hold in tension the realities of genocide, racism, and oppression that is woven into the founding and history of this nation ~ continuing to this very day, and the reality that Indigenous people continue to stand to defend the nation that tried to kill off our ancestors to "solve the Indian problem." 

As I reflect on personal independence and freedom – I feel the need to delve beyond the glitter of my star spangled Facebook feed. This holiday can be so mired in parades and traditions like the “oohs and ahs” at the fireworks extravaganza and “please pass the potato salad” (or the frybread) at the picnic - that we don’t talk about deep issues. Yes, the fourth of July is a national holiday, but it is also an occasion which invites discernment and deep reflection about what freedom and independence means to us on a personal level.

I ponder deep thoughts this Independence Day. I may be extra contemplative from my place of solo Covid-19 isolation. I hold many things in tension. Celebrations of love and equality juxtaposed with racial terrorism and profound denial of its causes that are so deeply rooted in the history of this land. I see marriage equality as a good thing, but just because two men or two women can marry each other if they so desire – in no way means that true equality exists across the queer community.

Two Spirit Camp at Standing Rock

While a same-sex couple somewhere are joyously saying their long-awaited vows – somewhere across town, a transgender woman is killed as she waits for the bus, and the shelter turns away queer youth because they lack the capacity to give every person who needs one – a meal and a bed without judgment. It is getting better, but there is still so much work to do.

As I consider my independence, I frame that as being free from the control of others over my actions and choices, giving me the freedom to self regulate my life, and exercise the many freedoms I am fortunate to have; I name a few here, there are many, many more

• I have the freedom, and the luxury to chose from the many healthy foods in our cabinets and fridge, to prepare my meals, while others subsist on highly processed nutritionally abysmal “foods” – because they are the only choices they have.
• I am free, to pray the day in with tobacco in my hand, and to watch the sunset as I pray the day out – offering prayers in the way of my ancestors. I have the freedom to enter the sweatlodge with my elders, and to dance my prayers in full regalia in solidarity and fellowship with other indigenous people. These are spiritual acts whereby I exercise my religious freedom.
• I also have the freedom to serve my church, without concern for my personal safety – while believers of other faiths or races practice their faith, knowing that they may be doing so at great personal risk.
• I am free to seek medical treatment when the need arises – while many others face the hard choice of seeking care, or feeding their families – millions live in this reality every.single.day.
• I have freedom of movement - to a degree that Covid-19 restrictions allow.
• I have the freedom to be Out, to live an open and authentic life as a queer-identified Two Spirit person, while others must live in stealth to keep their jobs, their homes, and their lives.

With all of these things held preciously, I close with this prayer:

Wakan Tanka, Mothering-Fathering God, Divine and Holy Love, be present with us that we may face the winds, and walk the Red Road in ways that honour you. Help us seek to be in right relationship with one another and be responsive when the world cries out. May we have deep gratitude for the freedoms and hold as Sacred, the freedoms of others so that we may never disrespect them. Free us from small mindedness, bless us with a deep capacity for Light and Love. Awake in us wisdom, courage, and understanding. Equip us to walk this Earth as relatives to all that live within your creation ~ and to see a reflection of you in one another's faces.

Igwein Gitchimanitou

~ Aho