November is Native American Heritage Month, and we wanted to take a minute to introduce you to an incredible indigenous organizer from one of our focus states.
The hyperlocal work organizers do on the ground in our regions is critical to making lasting change. By nature that means an incredible array of folks bring their unique experiences and voices into our shared mission. Make sure you are following Groundwork on Instagram, where you can read full Q&A responses from Valerie on what challenges she faces and what keeps her going.
Now get to know Valerie from Alabama Indigenous Coalition below!
Aspen
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Aspen Christian (they/them)
Digital Director
Groundwork Project
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What kinds of challenges and opportunities do you see when organizing in Native communities?
In Alabama, it is difficult to find resources because of the removal. The population is less than 1%. This makes having larger conversations difficult because you have so much context that has to be set beforehand. I see a time when Alabama will come to terms with its history, maybe a cultural center, acknowledgement of the harm and reconciliation with the nations forced from here.
What is your proudest organizing moment?
I was giving a speech at a rally in support of our Asian brothers and sisters. I was given the freedom to speak from my heart as an Indigenous person to another. We were able to connect and draw direct correlations from our historical treatment to their history and offered solidarity and understanding.
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⚡ Valerie’s Lightning Round ⚡
⁂ Your ultimate Indigenous role model(s) ⁂
Wilma Mankiller
⁂ Song you’re currently playing on repeat ⁂
For high energy – Thunderstruck (ACDC)
For calming – Indian Love Song (Buddy Red Bow)
⁂ The self-care practice you can’t do this work without ⁂
I use our traditional medicinal plants such as sage, sweetgrass and cedar. Burning any of these, the aroma is designed for healing and grounds me.
⁂ A person you most hope to see run for President in your lifetime ⁂
AOC
⁂ Your hopes & dreams for 2023 in five words or less ⁂
Love grows and doesn’t die
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