Tansi! Niminaneetan-oota-ayayun. Hello and Good Day!

On Indigenous Peoples Day, we pause to honor, and reflect upon, the First Peoples of this land. Since time immemorial, they have lived and still live in every ecosystem across this continent. One holiday is far too little, but it may be a time to remember what we can learn from Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities.

As a citizen of the Chippewa Cree Nation of Rocky Boy, Montana — I feel proud of my identity and my culture. I’m excited that Washington Conservation Action is on the leading edge of working with Tribes at the core of our work. From working with Tribal nations to passing the Climate Commitment Act in 2021, launching a Tribal Nations Program, and bringing Native Vote Washington into our organization — we are committed to shifting how conservation efforts across the state work with Tribes in Washington in order to recognize and uphold tribal sovereignty in our work.

Here are just three things you can do to observe Indigenous Peoples Day this year:

Read our latest blog on the shared Indigenous value of "taking just enough." Learn from the Indigenous practice of grounding ourselves in gratitude. We should take what we need, but not more than that. It will only take three minutes to read! Check it out here.

Support local, Indigenous art, film making, and storytelling by attending the film premiere of Children of the Setting Sun Presents: Netse Mot - One People Gathering on October 22, 7.30 p.m. at Paramount Theatre, Seattle. "One People Gathering" is a movement toward healing and unity, inviting everyone to engage with Indigenous voices. Get tickets here.

Native American voters in Washington have made the difference in tough elections — as well as in swing states like Arizona and Nevada. This year, they can make the difference in Washington’s election. In this critical election year, extend your support to Native Vote Washington (NVW). NVW does important work to empower Native voters, support Native candidates, and increase Native power. Check them out here.

Representative democracy, domesticated corn, maple syrup, oral contraceptives, kayaks, parkas, snowshoes, aspirin, syringes, baby bottles, snow goggles--so many things we take for granted were invented by Indigenous peoples. Take a moment to reflect upon that as we celebrate this special holiday.

Zachary Pullin (he/him)
Communications Director, Washington Conservation Action
Citizen, Chippewa Cree Nation of Rocky Boy, Montana