Second Annual Mni Ki Wakan Decade of Water Summit August 8-9

Autumn Peltier, Anishinaabe (Screen capture from CBC News You Tube video.)

The Second Annual Mni Ki Wakan World Indigenous Peoples Decade of Water Summit, an indigenous-led event, will be held at Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St. E., St Paul, on Wednesday and Thursday, August 8-9.

Autumn Peltier, a 13-year-old Anishinaabe teen from Wimwemikong First Nation will give the keynote address. On March 22, Peltier addressed the United Nations during its Action Water Decade: 2018-2028, calling on members to “Warrior Up.” (CBC story here.) Peltier is calling for the recognition of water’s personhood and for a future of healthy and clean water. (Here is a five-minute video of her speech.)

Comment: Anyone who does a double take at the mention of giving water “personhood” should consider that we give corporations “personhood” and water is more important to our survival than corporations.

On Day Two of the Summit, Julia Faye Muñoz of Guam will give a Pacific Islander perspective on the access, availability, and sustainability of water. The Summit also will include a workshop on digital storytelling, where people can record their stories of water.

March 28: Film and Conversation on Racism, Law Enforcement, and Redemption From Native Experiences

Augsburg Native American Film Series: Native American Conversations on Law Enforcement, Justice, and Redemption

When : Wednesday, March 28
Where: Augsburg University, Sateren Auditorium, Music Hall, 715 22nd Ave. S., Minneapolis
Time: Reception from 6:15-6:45 p.m., screening begins at 7 p.m., discussion with filmmakers follows

This event is free to the public.

Attend an evening of short films focusing on issues of racism, law enforcement, and redemption from various Native American experiences.  The hosts will be: Shirley Sneve, John Gwinn, Binesi Means, and Tiana LaPointe. They represent two Native American media organizations–Vision Maker Media and MIGIZI Communications–which work with filmmakers to produce and distribute Native focused documentaries and shorts on issues important to Native American communities.   The evening will include conversation with our hosts and a variety of short films.

 

Newly Created Bears Ears Monument Already Under Attack; Feb. 7 ‘Water is Sacred’ Event, and More

Bears Ears formation (Image from Wikimedia Commons)

One of President Obama’s last acts in office was to create the Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah, protecting 1.35 million acres around a pair of distinctive buttes that look like, well, bears ears.

The monument is barely a month old. The commission that will oversee the monument hasn’t been appointed yet. Already, the monument is under attack by Utah state leaders and apparently by the Trump administration.