Native American activists have been present as long as the Europeans have been working to colonize us.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the enduring presence and resistance of Native American activists against colonization efforts by Europeans.
Deb Haaland's quote acknowledges the long-standing advocacy of Native American activists who have fought against colonization since the arrival of Europeans in North America. It emphasizes that while colonization efforts have persisted throughout history, the voices and actions of Indigenous peoples seeking justice and recognition have also continuously existed, underscoring their resilience and commitment to protect their rights and culture.
In practice
In a speech addressing Indigenous rights, one might quote Deb Haaland to emphasize the historical context of activism.
In spite of our agonizing history, Native American people find much to celebrate. The songs, the dances, the culture and traditions surrounding planting and harvests, the prayers that are sent upward for healing and peace, and the welcoming of children into our families, are all reasons for us to keep moving forward with optimism.
Growing up in my mother's Pueblo household, I never imagined a world in which I would be represented by someone who looked like me.
I want every young Indigenous girl to think about getting involved in their communities. You're never too young to help with community efforts.
Racism and bigotry should never fuel any administration's policies. Calls to send anyone 'back' contradict who we should be as a country and the ideals for which we stand.
I spent my 20s earning minimum wage decorating cakes for a living. But one day, I looked in the mirror and realized I wanted more, for me and my people. I saw too many Native Americans struggling, and I realized we should have a voice in who our elected officials are.
The tenets of my cultural teachings are rooted in our commitment to lift up every community member so that no one is left behind. Work and food were shared equally. Through our commitment to community, we care about children, even when they aren't ours, and we want our old folks, and yours, to live their last days in dignity and comfort.
Homo sapiens, you and me, we are basically the same as people 10,000 years ago. The next revolution will change that.
The only permanent and constructive changes you can make in the world are the changes that you make in yourself.
Tremendous changes are taking place in our country, eradicating the concept of second-class citizenship.
We focus so much on how immigrants can change America that we forget that America has always changed immigrants even more.
By healing the internal issues that we can heal as a people, our children don't have to suffer the same agony and pain that we put each other through.
What really distinguishes this generation in all countries from earlier generations ... is its determination to act, its joy in action, the assurance of being able to change things by one's own efforts.
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