Bridging the Gap

Cultural Fusion

This past week, I attended a social gathering in San Francisco. Among the people in attendance, were exceptional thinkers, writers and entrepreneurs. Most of the people there, were successful and well spoken. They had no problem describing their ambitions, business models and ideas of future growth.

Long story short, when it was my time to describe to the group what it is that I do, I had a difficult time breaking it down to a simple explanation.

However, after much thinking over the past few days I believe I’ve come up with a polished answer for the next person who happens to ask, what it is that I’m actually doing.

I am curating a cultural lifestyle company that promotes a belief I like to call Native Cultural Fusion. At first glance, this may sound like I’m promoting assimilation and abandonment of our original culture, however, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Assimilation in my opinion, is the abandonment of one’s culture completely. We’re not doing that, we are preserving traditional practices while adapting to modern society.

This poses a few challenges, but I feel that the solution to these challenges are in finding the balance, a way to honor our heritage while embracing the new, creating a new identity that reflects our evolving existence.

Cultural fusion is not about diluting our traditions; rather, it's about enriching them.

It’s a testament to our resilience and adaptability.

Take, for instance, the realm of cuisine. Native chefs are increasingly incorporating traditional ingredients into contemporary dishes. This not only brings our rich culinary heritage to a broader audience but also encourages a deeper appreciation of our history and resources.

In the arts, we see a similar trend. Artists are merging traditional forms with modern techniques and mediums, creating stunning works that speak to both our past and our present. This blend not only preserves our artistic heritage but also ensures its continued relevance and appreciation.

Technology, too, plays a critical role in this fusion. By leveraging digital platforms, we can share our stories and traditions with a global audience. Social media, blogs, and online galleries offer unprecedented opportunities for exposure and engagement. They also provide a space for dialogue, where both Natives and non-Natives can learn from each other.

But cultural fusion extends beyond art, cuisine, and technology. It's about mindset.

It's about understanding that our heritage is a living, breathing entity that grows and evolves with us. By embracing change, we ensure that our traditions continue to thrive and adapt, rather than remain static relics of the past.

This journey isn’t without its challenges. As we navigate the path, it's crucial to stay mindful of the fine line between appreciation and appropriation.

We must engage in these exchanges with respect and sensitivity, ensuring that our cultural expressions are not exploited but rather celebrated and understood in their proper context.

In bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary, we pave the way for a future where our cultural identity is not just preserved but also vibrant and dynamic. It’s not a compromise but a testament to our strength as a community.

It’s a celebration of our ability to honor our past while boldly stepping into the future.

As we continue on this journey, let’s embrace the possibilities that come with it, always remembering that our culture is our strength – a fluid, ever-changing force that defines us not just as Natives but as modern contributors to global culture.

If you don’t know, now you know, a Native. 

Native Tribes to Manage Public Lands 

Article via Apple News

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. government is entering a new era of collaboration with Native American and Alaska Native leaders in managing public lands and other resources, with top federal officials saying that incorporating more Indigenous knowledge into decision-making can help spur conservation and combat climate change.

Federal emergency managers on Thursday also announced updates to recovery policies to aid tribal communities in the repair or rebuilding of traditional homes or ceremonial buildings after a series of wildfires, floods and other disasters around the country.

With hundreds of Tribal leaders gathering in Washington this week for an annual summit, the Biden administration is celebrating nearly 200 new agreements that are designed to boost federal cooperation with tribes nationwide.

The agreements cover everything from fishery restoration projects in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest to management of new national monuments in the Southwestern U.S., seed collection work in Montana and plant restoration in the Great Smoky Mountains.

WATCH: At Tribal Nations Summit, Biden discusses steps to help heal wrongs and bring ‘new era’ of Tribal sovereignty

“The United States manages hundreds of millions of acres of what we call federal public lands. Why wouldn’t we want added capacity, added expertise, millennia of knowledge and understanding of how to manage those lands?” U.S. Interior Assistant Secretary Bryan Newland said during a panel discussion.

The new co-management and co-stewardship agreements announced this week mark a tenfold increase over what had been inked just a year earlier, and officials said more are in the pipeline.

Newland, a citizen of the Bay Mills Indian Community in northern Michigan, said each agreement is unique. He said each arrangement is tailored to a Tribe’s needs and capacity for helping to manage public lands — and at the very least assures their presence at the table when decisions are made.

The federal government is not looking to dictate to tribal leaders what a partnership should look like, he said.

The U.S. government controls more than a quarter of the land in the United States, with much of that encompassing the ancestral homelands of federally recognized tribes. While the idea of co-stewardship dates back decades and has spanned multiple presidential administrations, many tribes have advocated in recent years for a more formal role in managing federal lands to which they have a connection.

Miki Free - Cherokee and Comanche

Miki Free, born Michael William Free on January 8, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is a multi-talented artist with a diverse background that includes Cherokee and Comanche heritage, he has not only created captivating music but also stunning visual art that celebrates his cultural influences.

 Miki’s musical odyssey began with a guitar in his hands. His mastery of the instrument quickly became apparent, leading to a dynamic career as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His early years in music were marked by his involvement with the rock band Shalamar, where his guitar skills contributed to the band's signature sound. Hits like "A Night to Remember" and "Dancing in the Sheets" showcased his musical prowess and solidified his status as a respected musician.

 Beyond his work with Shalamar, he embarked on a solo music career, crafting albums that traversed diverse genres, including rock, R&B, and blues. His music resonated with audiences for its authenticity and ability to capture emotions through both lyrics and instrumental melodies.

 In addition to his musical pursuits, he is a talented visual artist. His paintings and artworks reflect his deep connection to his Native roots and the cultural influences that have shaped his life.

His artistic journey transcends borders and genres, emphasizing the power of creative expression to foster understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures. His contributions to music and art remind us of the importance of celebrating heritage while embracing the universal language of artistry. 

Miki’s remarkable talent as a musician and visual artist has allowed him to create a profound impact on the worlds of music and art while celebrating his cultural heritage. His work serves as an inspiring example of the power of creativity to bridge cultures and connect people across the globe.

This section as always is brought to you by the Kossin Brand. The purpose of the Kossin brand is to connect our people through inclusivity and commonalities. Many other brands and companies aim to divide and conquer, however at Kossin they do not. If you enjoy this section and being introduced to a new Native every week please click the “Shop Here” button below and support them by picking up a piece of Kossin Merch.

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