Hi John,
Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and I wanted to take some time to tell you what this day means to me as a member of the Navajo Nation.
My ancestors have inhabited these lands for many generations. I grew up near the tiny town of Shonto, on a ranch with no electricity or running water. Even today, we make a 60-mile round trip to get water for our crops and livestock – a practice that connects us to our lands and traditions.
Our community has a profound legacy of service and sacrifice. Native Americans have the highest per capita rate of military service in the United States. Our Navajo code talkers played a crucial role in World War II, using our language to create an unbreakable code that helped secure victory for the Allies.
This day is about honoring these contributions, but it’s also about acknowledging the challenges we still face. From protecting our sacred lands to preserving our languages and addressing health disparities, our fight for recognition and equality continues.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a reminder of our resilience, our rich culture and history, and our ongoing presence in our nation. It's a day to celebrate our achievements, reflect on our history, and look forward to a future where Indigenous voices are heard, represented, and respected.
I invite you to take a moment today to learn about the Native peoples of your area, to support Native-owned businesses, or to engage with Indigenous art and literature. By doing so, you help keep our cultures vibrant and our stories alive.
Thank you for taking time to reflect with me on this important day,
Jonathan Nez
