11/01/2020
No line at Lucas Oil Stadium right now. but most important... just
As a Black and Native woman, I genuinely care about what happens politically in both Indian Country and the Black community. I deeply care about how access to power (or lack thereof) shapes our lived experiences, our futures, and our right to self-determination and autonomy.
I know many of us often feel betrayed by this political system, as it has absolutely ignored our sovereignty and threatened our traditional ways of being as Indigenous peoples. We may have a deep mistrust and feel valid contempt due to the very real violence and trauma we’ve endured since contact. Some of us may even feel like participating only perpetuates and authenticates the settler state.
We may be asking ourselves, why vote? Why participate? Is it about showing up and being present at the table where decisions are being made for us and about us? Is it about supporting politicians who come from our communities and represent our interests and our causes? Is it about dismantling the system from within? Is it all of the above?
It’s important to understand that we can vote while simultaneously acknowledging that there is real, on the ground work that needs to be done outside the political system in our homes, in our communities, and in our nations. Voting AND working outside the political system for our communities is acceptable. You don’t have to choose one over the other.
So if voting is important to you, VOTE!! And if you’re unsure or simply have questions, visit NativesVote2020.com. From there you can also make sure you’re registered, find out how to safely vote in your state, or make a voting plan.
Here’s to an Indigenous future!!
