What does democracy for all mean? Is grounding our work in racial justice the key? We want to hear about what’s important to you in preserving and expanding democracy. 

This month, we want to focus our attention on Native American Awareness. First, we might consider land acknowledgements. Whose land are we living on, working on, worshiping on? What about our childhood homes, the schools we went away to, the jobs we held in other places? Land acknowledgments can be an important first step – but they are indeed only a first step. We must consider how we can actively support indigenous communities. To that end, we’ve been learning about the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness (MCNAA), located in Danvers, MA. Michele participated in their recent book group discussion of the beautiful and poignant book, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Several other church members have read and thoroughly enjoyed this thoughtful book. 

Legislative Update: The Native American Mascots Bill now rests with the Senate Ways and Means Committee. However, the language was changed by the Joint Committee on Education, leaving the bill “weakened” by amending the text. Read about why this bill should be restored and how to send a letter to the Ways & Means Committee here http://maindigenousagenda.org/amend-the-mascots-bill/.  A sample letter and contact information are included. 

We will be happy to share with you our full update, where you can learn more about MCNAA, land acknowledgement, ways to support and not appropriate from Native People, and challenge yourself to learn more about racial equity.  As always, we want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].