Following the Leadership of Indigenous People
It was an honor to attend some recent events led by Native leaders.
Marcie Rendon (the RC International Liberation Reference Person for Native Americans) led “Native Perspectives on Living with the Earth” for the Midwest and Mid-South Regions of the United States. Approximately eighty of us learned how we can use the discharge process to have big visions for, and take big steps toward, the survival of the earth. Marcie’s voice was strong, and she was brutally honest. The workshop was different from any other workshop I had attended.
A week later I went to the “Gichi-gami Gathering to Stop Line 3,” in Duluth, Minnesota (USA), on the shores of Lake Superior. The Indigenous planners led the rally, march, and gathering, whose purpose was to get decision makers to stop the tar sands pipeline. The pipeline would go through the state of Wisconsin, including Dane County, where I live, on its way to the Gulf of Mexico—greatly disrupting the Bad River community.
Drumming and the hum of people met us when we arrived. There were speeches detailing how the pipeline would bring devastation to the land, watershed, and community. Then we marched along the park and shoreline. Protesters chanted and held signs and street art. Later there were prayers and a community meal to which everyone was invited. Classes followed, including “Pipelines 101” and a class on nonviolence.
I had gone back and forth for days with indecision about joining the action. I had been concerned about discomfort and a long commitment (a whole day!). But I am glad I did it. I learned so much. And I will continue to follow Indigenous leadership in the care of the earth.
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Reprinted from the RC e-mail discussion list for leaders of Catholics
(Present Time 198, January 2020)