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Stuart Attewell (Paris, Fr)'s avatar

There would be a lot of things our politicians and people could learn from Deb Haarland, her roots and all Native American people, but some come instantly to mind:

1: That chiefs only stay in charge as long they can persuade and influence others to follow by the wisdom of their words and the effectiveness of their decisions

2: That the leader in peace is not necessarily he or she who leads in war

3: That the most respected person is he who most shares his riches with his fellows in need

4 That the people live as a part of nature in a mutually supportive relationship with other creatures and not as parasites profiting from nature

5: That land is not for sale it exists freely in its own right

6: That every part of nature has a "spirit" which must be respected

One could go on indeffinitely, but If 2021 is to be different from 2020 then we need to make a start on listening to the wisdom of people who developed their way of life over the thousands of years before we invaded their space.

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Cathy Learoyd (Texas)'s avatar

I can't wait to see what Rep. Deb Haaland will do as Secretary of the Interior about the decision by the Supreme Court in 1980 that the Black Hills had been unconstitutionally taken from the Native Americans in 1877. The Fort Laramie Treaty stated that the Black Hills were for the "absolute and undisturbed use and occupation of the Indians." The Supreme Court awarded a monetary settlement rather than returning the land. The Native Americans told the Supreme Court that the land was not for sale and have refused to accept the money. Maybe it will take a couple of generations to somehow return the land gradually but inevitably, but it needs to happen. It really is the only way they will get true retribution. It is difficult to predict how the current Supreme Court will stand on this. In reading Heather's book on Wounded Knee it is amazing to me how much 1890 has parallels with 2020. Washington politics must change this time. We need a true new age this time!

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