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.
Deb HaalandRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Despite a painful past, one can find joy and reasons to move forward with hope and positivity.
This quote highlights the resilience and optimism of Native American people in the face of a challenging history. It emphasizes the importance of cultural celebrations, traditions, and community as sources of strength and hope for the future, urging a forward-looking perspective that honors heritage while fostering healing and joy.
Themes
ResilienceHopeCelebrationCommunityTraditionOptimism
In practice
Example use cases
A speech during a cultural festival celebrating Native American heritage.
More from Deb Haaland
All quotes βI want every young Indigenous girl to think about getting involved in their communities. You're never too young to help with community efforts.
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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.
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Native American activists have been present as long as the Europeans have been working to colonize us.
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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.
Deb HaalandRead
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.
Deb HaalandRead
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