It's important to remember that there were vibrant cultures living in the Americas when European explorers first encountered this land. Had it not been for this, the Europeans could not have survived.
The centuries since have not fared well for those first inhabitants of these lands.
Did you know that the ethnic group doing worst in the territory of the United States are Native Americans? There are worse healthcare outcomes than for any other group, more alcoholism, and less family wealth than for any other group. They are also killed by police at higher rates than any other group, including African Americans. It just doesn't make the news. There are also many murdered or missing Native women, which also does not make the news.
Did you know that the US government decided about a year ago to end all funding for school bus transportation for Native youths on reservations attending off-reservation schools? It was a part of one of our treaties that we provide this to them, but the new administration in Washington decided there were better uses for the money.
The Dept. of the Interior scrambled and was able to cobble together some funding, but only enough for the kids to go to school 3 days a week. If they want to go more than that, they will have to find their own transportation.
Could you have learned elementary school math going to class only 3 days a week?
There is no end to this policy, save a change of administration. They will miss vital years of education, that even a change a few years from now will not be able to make up for. Many will probably have dropped out entirely by then. Imagine sitting in class 3 days a week not being able to keep up with the kids around you because you just aren't there enough to succeed no matter how hard you work.
So today, it is worth taking a moment to think about the people who helped those first European arrivals survive. Ask yourself if there is anything you might do for them. Perhaps something as meager as simply caring about their current situation, or saying a prayer, or holding an intention in your heart that their situation improve.
And then when the prayer is answered and you have some opportunity to do or say something that can contribute toward that end, do.
The future is made by us all.
