Our Gift To You

Best of 2023 - All Star Edition

As we come to the end of our first year publishing the ‘I Know a Native’ newsletter, we’d like to thank each and every one of our dedicated subscribers, by giving you our first All-Star edition.

The following are the results of the voting that took place a few weeks back. Best Editorial, News, Kossin and Meme.

Thanks again, we will see all of you next week with our year-end issue.

Enjoy

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in

I’m sure by now we’ve all seen the Godfather trilogy. If not, you’ve had to at least seen a few clips on social media.

(Spoiler alert)

There’s a scene in Godfather 3 in which an older Michael Corleone is standing in the kitchen discussing the recent attempt on his life. He had just made an offer to pay off his former associates and exit his life of crime once and for all. His rivals however, had other plans for him. He realizes that his dream to sail off into the sunset and leave behind the stress of being a gangster is now gone. At that moment a very frustrated Michael Corleone clenches his fists and says “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”

If the crabs in the buckets were granted one sentence of human dialogue to describe their lives, I believe this would be it.

Crab theory, also known as Crabs in a Bucket mentality (CIABM) is a real thing. It’s a way of thinking best described as “if I can’t have it, then neither can you.” I’m not saying this type of jealous behavior is exclusive to the rez or Natives, however it is without a doubt alive and well in the Native community.

Let me give you some examples.

How many times have you seen someone achieve something they worked hard for, only to hear others attempt to discredit it? This person only got that new car because their family is rich, not because they have a job and paid for it. Or that person only got the promotion because they kiss up to the boss, not because they show up to work everyday and do a good job.

Look, I’m not saying that those things don’t happen or have anything to do with the outcome. I’m only saying that having that kind of mentality is toxic and useless in regards to growth. To continue to look for reasons that others are succeeding instead of finding the reasons that you are not, makes absolutely no sense to me.

Another red flag that may indicate someone is suffering from the crab mentality is their inability to genuinely praise another’s success without feeling threatened. This in my opinion, is one of the worst things about the Native community. I’ve seen Kossins aka cousins of mine graduate from universities with degrees, only to hear “yeah but you can’t make any money with that degree,” or “he’s too old to use that degree.” I’ve seen first time homebuyers that grew up in HUD housing purchase a home, only to hear “yeah but that house isn’t even that nice,” or “she had to get help from her tribe for the down payment.”

Once again, I’m not saying that some of these things aren’t true. I’m simply saying that the toxic crab in a bucket mentality isn’t helping anyone, especially the person living with it. Try being happy for your own people, the same way that you’re for those famous celebrities you’ve never met.

Maybe the guy is too old to use that degree, but it inspired his son to get one. Is that a waste? Maybe the house isn’t that nice, but now she’ll have asset to leave her children instead of a liability. A good friend of mine once said sometimes our accomplishments aren’t about us, that our people will use our successes or failures to decide whether or not they will attempt it. You never know who’s looking up to you.

Success is not a zero sum game. By that I mean there is enough money and success available for all of us in the community to be well off and successful without taking anything away from others. It’s our mentality that needs to change and adapt. So let’s do that.

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

Chími Nu’am

Native California Foodways for the Contemporary Kitchen

Sara Calvosa Olson (Karuk) reimagines some of the oldest foods in California for home cooks today.

Meaning “Let’s eat!” in the Karuk language, Chími Nu’am shares the author’s delicious and inventive takes on Native food styles from across California.

Over seventy seasonal recipes centered on a rich array of Indigenous ingredients follow the year from Fall (elk chili beans, acorn crepes) to Winter (wild boar pozole, huckleberry hand pies) to Spring (wildflower spring rolls, peppernut mole chicken) to Summer (blackberry braised smoked salmon, acorn milk freezer pops).

Special sections offer guidance on acorn preparation, traditional uses of proteins, and mindful ingredient sourcing. Calvosa Olson has spent many years connecting her family’s foodways with a growing community, and these recipes, techniques, and insights invite everyone to Calvosa Olson’s table.

Designed as an accessible entry for people beginning their journey toward a decolonized diet, Chími Nu’am welcomes readers in with Calvosa Olson’s politically perceptive and irresistibly funny writing.

With more than 100 photographs, this cookbook is a culinary gift that will add warmth and mouth watering aromas to any kitchen.

I spoke with Sara and asked her if she had anything she would like to add to the article I was writing. She had this to say:

“Food security is always on my mind this time of year. Looking after each other and being more community minded in our gatherings is important. It’s not tradish to have our grandmothers going hungry in the winter.”

I couldn’t agree more with her. Also, I find it amazing that she had an opportunity for self promotion, yet chose to use the space to spread love and awareness for our elders.

With that being said, if you’re looking to add a traditional or reimagined Native dish to your Thanksgiving feast this year, look no further. This book is fantastic, thank you contribution to the culture Sara.

To order click the following link.

Sharice Davids - Ho-Chunk

Sharice Davids, born on May 22, 1980, in Frankfurt, West Germany, is a trailblazing figure in American politics and a dedicated advocate for her community. Her journey from a childhood on military bases to becoming one of the first Native women elected to the United States Congress is a testament to her resilience and commitment to public service.

Growing up as the daughter of a single mother who served in the United States Army, Davids learned the values of discipline, hard work, and community early in life. Her family's dedication to service and their Native heritage instilled in her a strong sense of duty and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.

She pursued higher education at Cornell Law School and later worked as a lawyer and mixed martial artist. Her experience as a professional athlete exemplified her determination and tenacity, qualities that would serve her well in the political arena.

In 2018, she made history when she was elected as the U.S. Representative for Kansas’s 3rd congressional district. Her victory not only marked her as one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress but also represented a groundbreaking moment for LGBT representation, as she is an openly gay woman.

As a member of Congress, Davids has been a tireless advocate for a wide range of issues, including healthcare access, economic opportunity, and social justice. Her commitment to bipartisanship and pragmatic problem-solving has earned her respect from colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Davids has also been a vocal advocate for Native rights and has worked to address issues such as tribal sovereignty, healthcare disparities, and the protection of Native lands. Her unique perspective as a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation informs her approach to policy and legislation.

Her journey from military bases to the halls of Congress is a powerful example of the American dream in action. Her career serves as a reminder that diversity, representation, and a commitment to service are essential for building a more equitable and inclusive society.

In a time when the political landscape is evolving, she stands as a symbol of progress, resilience, and the limitless potential of individuals to create meaningful change.

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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