Growing up in my mother's Pueblo household, I never imagined a world in which I would be represented by someone who looked like me.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the lack of representation and the hope that comes with progress in society.
In this reflection, Deb Haaland shares her personal experience growing up in a household that lacked representation. She emphasizes the significance of seeing someone who resembles her in positions of power, highlighting the broader impact of representation on diversity and inclusivity in society, and the profound effect it has on those who feel unseen and unheard.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a discussion on representation and diversity in leadership roles.
In spite of our agonizing history, Native American people find much to celebrate. The songs, the dances, the culture and traditions surrounding planting and harvests, the prayers that are sent upward for healing and peace, and the welcoming of children into our families, are all reasons for us to keep moving forward with optimism.
I want every young Indigenous girl to think about getting involved in their communities. You're never too young to help with community efforts.
Racism and bigotry should never fuel any administration's policies. Calls to send anyone 'back' contradict who we should be as a country and the ideals for which we stand.
Native American activists have been present as long as the Europeans have been working to colonize us.
I spent my 20s earning minimum wage decorating cakes for a living. But one day, I looked in the mirror and realized I wanted more, for me and my people. I saw too many Native Americans struggling, and I realized we should have a voice in who our elected officials are.
The tenets of my cultural teachings are rooted in our commitment to lift up every community member so that no one is left behind. Work and food were shared equally. Through our commitment to community, we care about children, even when they aren't ours, and we want our old folks, and yours, to live their last days in dignity and comfort.
Somehow you'll escape_x000D_ all that waiting and staying._x000D_ You'll find the bright places_x000D_ where Boom Bands are playing.
I kicked the door open, and I'm gonna hold my leg in there. I'm keeping the door open for all these amazing female singer-songwriters that are coming out.
I'm inspired by people who keep on rolling, no matter their age.
As young people, you want to see people who in some way look like you to some degree, because it makes it a little easier for you to aspire to take on the qualities of those people.
Hope has never trickled down, it has always sprung up.
We all get intimidated by showing ourselves, for whatever reason, we think, If I really show who I am, and someone goes [pfftt] then it's gonna crush me. Well, it's not gonna crush me. It doesn't crush you if somebody does that- somebody will do that. Many times. And once you accept that that's not why you're doing it, you're doing it because that's your form of expression.
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