Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Indigenous peoples have come full circle from thriving to surviving, and back again.

Everywhere that I turn this week I find advice, demands, and grief over the direction 73,455,333 American voters have steered us. It is a dark hour, but it is not the only dark hour. Our elders and ancestors have walked through dark times, so I asked some of them to share their perspective.

From a Presidential perspective, Nixon and Reagan wrought great pain and spilled much blood. What did adults experience waking up to a Nixon/Reagan victory? Every President has benefited from racial oppression, demonizing marginalized groups, and controlling the bodies of women and nonbinary people. What also resonated with me was all of the content created by Indigenous people and Black Americans about their ‘thrival’ for centuries, content and lessons they share about how they create culture in this time. And I think about my friends who resist capitalism, looking to different models of organizing and governance. We have lessons to learn and many neighbors who can teach us.

So I asked if they would share their thoughts. No questions from me, no editing, no limits on what they can write. Just asking for their help. I’m just here to amplify their voices.

This will likely be an occasional series as folx find time to contribute.

The first person to respond was Lenore ‘Lee’ Dingus who has contributed to this site in the past.

Lenora “Lee” Dingus

she/her

Haudenosaunee – Seneca

Indigenous peoples have come full circle from thriving to surviving, and back again. While settler colonialism has dramatically changed the context of development, Indigenous communities continue to heal and grow through time-honored and modern cultural practices, traditions, beliefs, family and friends  

To be Indigenous is strengths based. An Indigenous strengths-based approach withstands coloniality, honors relationships, transforms Indigenous futures, promotes intergenerational healing, and overcomes the worst. 

 It is based on the collective wisdom of Ancestors that have come before us, whom we exist alongside, and the many that will follow.  

At this time following the 2024 Election results, perhaps all my friends out there need to be reminded to be strong, be resilient, don’t give up, we never have, and we are still here, and will continue to be here.  More often than not it is hard, very hard, but we persist.  You need to persist.  Regroup, reform.  It is time.

Women’s Nomination Belt 

Thank you, Lee.