The Celestial Dance

Monday’s Eclipse

If you’re not already following us on all socials, please do so to stay the most up to date and informed as possible. The links are posted below.

This Monday, prepare for a celestial event that's sure to be a memorable one. An eclipse, in its unearthly glory, is set to dim the American skies. Picture this: one minute, its broad daylight, and the next, you're plunged into an eerie twilight, with the temperature subtly dropping, and wildlife falling silent, as if nature itself is holding its breath. This isn't just an astronomical event; it's a moment of connection with the cosmos.

Communities across the nation are gearing up with viewing glasses, pinhole cameras, and even telescopes, turning this into a social affair. It's a reminder that, despite our busy lives, we're all under the same vast sky, sharing in its wonders.

 Eclipses have danced across the skies long before our time, captivating not just us, but our ancestors as well. To Tribes, eclipses were more than just celestial phenomena; they were rich with meaning and mythology.

 For many Tribes, the Sun and Moon were seen as powerful deities or celestial beings. An eclipse, therefore, was a momentous event. The Dine, (Navajo), for instance, saw it as a time for reflection and renewal, a period to pause, respect, and not to eat, drink, or look at the eclipse. They believed it was a time when the fundamental order was being re-established.

Meanwhile, the Ojibwe people interpreted a solar eclipse as the Sun being momentarily bitten by a frog, a creature important to their creation stories. And the Lakota? They saw eclipses as a sign of renewal, a time when the world cleansed itself for a new beginning.

This Monday's eclipse invites us to look up and remember the stories and beliefs that our ancestors held dear, to reflect on our place in the universe, and to come together in awe of the sky's boundless mysteries.

As we experience the eclipse, let's remember the heritage and history that such events carry with them. Let's use this moment to bridge the gap between the past and the present, to honor the wisdom of the Native Tribes, and to celebrate the celestial dance that continues to inspire wonder and curiosity.

 So, subscribers, are you ready to turn your eyes skyward? This Monday promises not just an eclipse, but a journey through the ages, a celebration of heritage and community under the grand stage of the universe. Let's embrace the shadows, for they too have stories to tell, stories as old as time, illuminated by the fleeting dark of an eclipse.

 If you’re in California as most of my readers are, the eclipse will begin at 10:06am. The moon will slowly make its way across the sun, peaking at 11:12am. As I am aware, most of the U.S. will not get the full effects of the eclipse, that doesn’t mean it won’t be a sight to see.

As always, If you don’t know now you know, a Native!

Governor Banned from Two Reservations in her own State

Article via NEWSWEEK

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was banned from a second Native American reservation in her own state this week after alleging that drug cartels were using Indigenous land to facilitate crime.

 Noem, a Republican floated as a potential vice presidential running mate for ex-President Donald Trump in November, was criticized by tribal leaders after saying at a town hall meeting

in March that some Native American leaders were "personally benefitting" from Mexican cartels operating in their territory. She also claimed that children living on Indigenous reservations "don't have parents who show up and help them" and that tribal leaders are focused "on a political agenda more than they care about actually helping somebody's life look better."

 The governor made similar accusations during a speech before the South Dakota Legislature in January, according to local reports, alleging that some cartels "have been successful in recruiting tribal members to join their criminal activity."

 During a council meeting on Tuesday for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Chairman Ryman LeBeau called Noem's statements "gossip and lies about our Lakota students, their parents and our Tribal Councils," adding that the accusations "perpetuate stereotypes, misconceptions, which are inaccurate and untrue."

According to a report from Dakota News Now, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe motioned to ban Noem from traveling to tribal land in 12-0 vote. Two members of the council were absent from the vote.

 Noem was also banned from the Oglala Sioux Tribe in February. The Tribe's president, Frank Star Comes Out, issued a four-page statement in response to Noem's comments made before the state legislature regarding alleged cartel activity on reservations, writing that he was "deeply offended" that the governor had accused his tribe of being "affiliated" with such groups.

 "Due to the safety of the Oyate [people], effective immediately, you are hereby banished from the homelands of the Oglala Sioux Tribe," the president said.

Newsweek reached out to LeBeau's email for additional comment Friday evening.

 Noem, an avid supporter of Trump, is one of several Republican governors who have become a prominent critic of federal policies involving immigration at the U.S.-southern border. She has also stood by Texas Governor Greg Abbott amid his fights with President Joe Biden over migration policies, including by sending dozens of South Dakota's National Guard to Texas' border with Mexico to help curb border crossings.

 In a video message shared to social media on Thursday, Noem addressed the recent efforts by tribal leaders to "banish" her from their reservations, and said that some Indigenous groups were "upset with me because I told the truth about the Mexican drug cartels activity on our reservations."

 "It's true. They're dangerous cartels in South Dakota and they're instigating drug addiction, committing murder, rape, human trafficking and so much more," Noem said in the video shared to X, formerly Twitter.

 The governor added that banning her from the reservations "doesn't solve any of our problems" and encouraged tribes to work with her administration to "protect our people" and "uphold tribal sovereignty."

Q’orianka Kilcher - Quechaua

 Q'orianka Waira Qoiana Kilcher, born on February 11, 1990, is a multi-talented artist known for her captivating performances in film and television, as well as her advocacy for Native rights and environmental causes.

Kilcher's roots trace back to the indigenous Quechua-Huachipaeri people and her upbringing was characterized by a deep connection to her heritage and a commitment to social and environmental justice.

Her breakthrough role came in 2005 when she portrayed Pocahontas opposite Colin Farrell in Terrence Malick's epic film "The New World." Kilcher's portrayal of the historical Native American figure was nothing short of mesmerizing, earning her critical acclaim and recognition as one of Hollywood's emerging talents.

Her career continued to flourish with notable performances in films such as "Te Ata," where she portrayed the Chickasaw storyteller Te Ata Thompson Fisher, and "Princess Kaiulani," in which she portrayed the real-life Hawaiian princess. Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her roles has solidified her status as a respected actress in the industry.

 Beyond her work in entertainment, she is a passionate advocate for Native rights, environmental conservation, and social justice. She has been an outspoken voice on issues related to the rights and well-being of Native communities, advocating for land rights, cultural preservation, and environmental protection.

 Her activism has taken her to the front lines of various movements, including protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, where she was arrested for her peaceful demonstration. Her dedication to these causes is a reflection of her commitment to creating a more equitable and sustainable world.

 In addition to her acting career and advocacy work, she is also an accomplished singer and songwriter. Her music reflects her passion for storytelling and her commitment to using her art to inspire positive change.

Throughout her career, she has been recognized with awards and accolades for her contributions to both the arts and activism. Her impact extends far beyond the screen and the stage, serving as an inspiration to those who seek to make a difference in the world.

Her life and work are a testament to the power of talent, cultural pride, and a dedication to making the world a better place. She continues to be a compelling voice in the realms of entertainment and advocacy, reminding us that art can be a powerful force for change and a platform for voices that need to be heard.

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 “Support Kossin Here” button below and support them by buying some Kossin Merch.

BRAND NEW MERCH COMING SOON

If you enjoy our memes don’t forget to follow on Twitter now known as X.com, Instagram and Tik Tok for more exclusive content. The profile links are listed below. @LouistheNative on all platforms. 

Redwood Valley Little River Band of Pomo Indians

The Redwood Valley Little River Band of Pomo Indians (Redwood Valley Rancheria) is a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, California. For several thousand years the Tribe’s ancestors lived along the West Fork of the Russian River, located north of Calpella, CA. The Tribe interacted with other Pomo tribes located within the Russian River watershed, the Eel River watershed, and tribes found along the coasts of the Clearlake and the Pacific Ocean.

 Much was lost with the advancement of European settlers before and after the California Goldrush.  In 1908 Redwood Valley Rancheria was established as a home for "Homeless Indians." However, In 1958 the United States Congress terminated Redwood Valley Rancheria and many other tribes by enacting the California Rancheria Termination Act. In 1983 this act was declared illegal as a result of the Tillie Hardwick, et al. v. United States of America, et al. Case. Redwood Valley Rancheria and many other rancherias had their tribal status restored.

 The Redwood Valley Little River Band of Pomo Indians is a sovereign indian tribe with the powers of self-governance. Its tribal members elect a Tribal Council which acts as the governing body. The Council is authorized to write and enact ordinances and resolutions, conduct tribal business, and perform other actions that are commonly delegated to local governments.

​Today, Redwood Valley Rancheria has 159 acres of land in trust. It manages a wide array of social, educational, environmental and infrastructure programs. Click on the menu above to find out more about these programs.

Thank you for supporting Native businesses and believing in one of your own!