Native Love ❤️

DECOLONIZING YOUR NEWSFEED



	"Prairie Cocowee Antoine, Wrapped in a Cradleboard” is from the photo essay “Reservation Mathematics: Navigating Love in Native America,”a digital exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian by Tailyr Irvine (Salish and Kootenai).

NATIVE LOVE ❤️| 02.12.21

Dating is already hard enough, but for Native Americans, navigating love in Indian Country is complicated. As a young adult, I remember realizing the impacts that Indigenous identity has on our pool of prospects, not unlike the way Tailyr Irvine explored recently in her virtual exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. The Salish and Kootenai photojournalist encountered what many Natives often do in the human search for love and the possibilities of marriage and family - real roadblocks if ever we are to raise Native babies that are citizens of our respective Native nations.

This week, Tailyr’s work was the focus of the Smithsonian’s latest podcast episode of Sidedoor, which I had the privilege to work on - an explainer about “blood quantum,” the totally complicated, invisible calculus determining tribal enrollment and belonging in Indian Country.

Above is the cover art for the episode, “Reservation Math: Navigating Love in Native America.” It takes a deep dive into the history of blood quantum and the complex question raised in last week’s newsletter: “Who is Indigenous?” Please give it a listen.

And about last week’s newsletter: I got a lot of feedback from many of you sharing your thoughts about all of this Indigenous identity stuff. It’s a testament to how emotionally-charged and curious this issue is to so many. Thanks for reaching out.

For added gleaning, consider this law review article that explores a legal history of blood quantum in federal Indian law to 1935. There’s also the Native America Calling broadcast that aired this week featuring the architect of the “Pretendian List” discussed in our last newsletter. And then there’s this read from the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s monthly newsletter where the tribal chairman reflects on forty years since the tribe gained federal recognition - basically, the same colonial concept as blood quantum, but one that Native nations have been forced to adopt in order to survive.

I recognize this newsletter is out late due to other writing deadlines. The frequency of the Indigenously Index, which many of you turn to, is also (unfortunately) affected by my workload. These are the darn breaks of an indie. All the same, I do hope you find these weekly emails something you take in all weekend long. I so appreciate the slice of attention you give to this work each and every edition.

Hearts, friends ❤️

Jenni

THE INDIGENOUS INTERNET



	@thundervoice_eagle

ENDORSEMENT

A Hopi Girl Scout’s annual cookie sale campaign has gone viral mostly because she represents a troop of one. Troop 9629 on the Hopi Indian Reservation in Arizona is comprised of just one scout, according to her Cookie World website. But she can still participate in all things Girl Scout, which depending on the coronavirus, might mean attending summer camp in a few months the way that I did when I was a Brownie. Cookie sales paid my way year after year, including the most memorable horseback camping trip I took in the Jemez Mountains.

Valentine’s Day might be over by the time your cookies arrive at your house or to someone else’s that you adore. But join me in showing some love for this Hopi Girl Scout and let her know that even though she stands as one, she’s not really alone. 🍪

FEEDBACK

“Your latest newsletter about policing Indigeneity was a really important read…I’m so pleased you are doing this work.”
Jesse, Santa Fe, NM
Dawaa’e, Jesse. This converstation is sure to continue and Indigenously will be following it. If you find this newsletter helpful, forward it on to a friend.
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QUOTE



	I am deeply saddened by the coronavirus death of Claudette Christine White. Judge White was a member of the Quechan Indian Tribe and played an essential role in bringing restorative justice to our Native nations, a gift that she along with Judge Abby Abinanti (Yurok) became the focus of in the 2017 PBS film, Tribal Justice. Judge White often said we, as Indigenous Peoples, stand as giants by virtue of our incredible survival - but she really was a giant. When I was illegally arrested two years ago and had it weaponized against me, she saw the injustice in it all and privately messaged me incredible words of support. It brings tears to my eyes, even today. I am so deeply honored to have met her as a journalist and to be able to celebrate her life as a Native sister. Please rent the film to learn more about this brave and courageous Indigenous woman. More words are on Instagram.

The Indigenously newsletter is produced by Jenni Monet (Laguna Pueblo)