Giving has been vital to Indigenous communities since ancient times

Posoh John,

The practice of giving has been significant in the Native American culture since ancient times and takes place year-round. This is a way organizations and individuals share resources to support and benefit others. It weaves together our spirituality, culture, and a sense of community.

Giving is a way to offer thanks when seeking advice from an elder, during healing ceremonies, or to share what we have to support others in need. It symbolizes the values of generosity, reciprocity, and the strengthening of social bonds.

In our Indigenous communities, a gift can be an eagle feather, tobacco, a piece of Native art or jewelry, food, clothing, or something priceless like volunteering and working to protect our sovereign nations and Mother Earth.

You can participate in this tradition by supporting Native-led organizations and tribal government programs who give back to the community all year long. A few of those organizations include HIR Wellness Institute [[link removed]], Honor the Earth [[link removed]], Hayward Food Shelf [[link removed]], providing food for their local area including the Lac Courte Oreille schools, and the Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network [[link removed]], which is dedicated to the revitalization of the Ojibwe and other indigenous languages.

“We provide free mental health, wellness, and victim advocacy services to Indigenous and underserved populations and we do not take insurance,” said Jamie Kellicut, MSW, LCSW, Chief Community Engagement Officer at HIR Wellness Institute.

Honor the Earth, on the other hand, “is creating a world where Indigenous Sovereignty is recognized, respected, and upheld.”

You can also support tribal governments and programs around the state on the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council website [[link removed]]. Consider supporting these vital groups this year.

As the year comes to a close, let’s reflect together on how we can give to others – not just in the holiday season, but year round to build a more sustainable future.

Wāēwāēnen (thank you),
Anne Egan-Waukau
Urban Native Vote Organizer and Communications Manager
Wisconsin Conservation Voters

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