Thinking about the fires in the Boundary Waters and our time to listen to the trees.
Category: Native American
Thoughts on July 4th, War, and Peace
Thinking on war, peace, and the future on July 4th
Children in Boxes
Reading an NPR story earlier this week, I learned about a school district in New York State where children with disabilities were being confined to wooden boxes. The story made me sick and hurt even more when I read that many of the children who’ve … Continue reading Children in Boxes
Powerful Fish
Walleye and muskies, vital fish species, face declining populations in the Lac du Flambeau reservation, prompting tribal officials to restrict fishing on 19 lakes. Tribal members are regulated to ensure sustainable practices. The need for management is crucial amid overconsumption, highlighting the importance of sovereignty and collaboration between Native and non-Native communities in conservation efforts.
Stormy Thoughts for Earth Day
On Earth Day, the author reflects on recent extreme weather in Wisconsin, including 25 tornadoes and significant flooding that displaced communities. Emphasizing the urgency for environmental change, the author recalls a friend’s words and considers how we need to change our relationship with the earth.
Meeting the Moment and Inspirations To Act
The author reflects on their journey as an activist, highlighting impactful moments and mentors. Memories of witnessing hardship in their community, including barn fires and cancer’s toll, shaped their passion for change. Influential figures, such as Walt Bresette and Frannie VanZile, inspired them to advocate for future generations and empower communities.
The Time to Remember: Thinking About the Seventh Fire
The author reflects on Robin Wall Kimmerer’s “Braiding Sweetgrass,” emphasizing the significance of the seventh fire in Anishanaabe prophecy. As spring unfolds, they stress the need for both introspection and forward movement, advocating for connection with nature and the wisdom it offers. This journey aims to inspire positive change in the world.
What Happened Here? Time to Listen to the Elders
Protests continue and activism is growing in the US today. We struggle against a great deal. What are we struggling for? What might we learn from our elders and history?
Reaching Out In Peace
Like millions of others around the world and thousands here in Madison, I stood holding a candle last night to honor the passing of Renee Nicole Good and the far too many others who have been murdered along with her by ICE. Standing there in the cold I found myself thinking about the past 30+ years that I’ve spent standing on those capitol steps at rallies and vigils, working toward justice and peace, and recognizing the connection of my years to the those of others. We’ve stood for so long and each time the crowds are larger and stronger.
I thought about the Anishanaabe prophecies of the eight fires and wondered if we are indeed at that place spoken of in the seventh fire where we are facing that critical choice between destruction and balance. I believe we are and we must seek that balance both internally and as a whole if we are to find peace. Afterall, peace doesn’t come through war. I wish I had some answers. All I know right now is that we must reach out in peace. We must find those seeds of joy admist the chaos and nuture them, help them grow into the trees of celebration that they are meant to become.
In this moment I am just reaching out to all of you, my brothers and sisters in the struggle and sharing this electronic hug and wishing you love in your lives.
Reflections on My Travels 2023- The Alps
I’ve loved mountains since I was a little girl living among the tiny waves of the glaciated region of Wisconsin. Hills tell us so much. They are the home of our ancestors, those giant stones that tell the stories of our past and the trees … Continue reading Reflections on My Travels 2023- The Alps
Sustainable Life In Action 