Challenges Facing 21st Century Indigenous People. Wilma Mankiller


Challenges Facing 21st Century Indigenous People.
Presented by Wilma Mankiller

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The speech presented by Wilma Mankiller, the former Cherokee Nation Principal Chief, was indeed very powerful. She spoke about the past history of indigenous people in American land but that was not the main purpose of her voice. She acknowledged the differences of the indigenous people around the world but pointed out the common values that all of them share - they all are strongly connected with the Nature. Nature means the environment that cannot be separated from the people. Mankiller stated that people are not unique to be disconnected from Nature and it is important to restore the balance in it. Indigenous people have the power and benefit despite their tragic history, not only in America but around the world as well, through their stories and rituals to be reminded of their responsibilities to the land. They live closely to the land not only in the way they live but also in their hearts and the way they live. The global warming brings destruction to our planet and its people's responsibility to fight for the rights of environment.
It is important to stop creating the stereotypes about indigenous people, and concentrate on the issues that devastating our planet. Therefore, the indigenous people have to be protected as well because they carry the best knowledge how to live in harmony with Nature. The prophet that convey the powerful massage for the present and future generation "world will end if the human beings forget the responsibilities to Nature world" should be considered as a manifest for the politicians who seem not to see the environmental problems.
The Mohawk proverb, "hard to see the future with tears in your eyes" acknowledges the importance of perceiving the future without the anger but with the optimism that will help the indigenous people to survive and continue their journey on the land that gives them the power to remain with their values and their traditions.

Mankiller, Wilma. “Wilma Mankiller: Challenges Facing 21st Century Indigenous People.” YouTube, ASU Libraries, 10 Dec. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K_rVUmV7Y8&feature=youtu.be. 

Comments

  1. UnknownDecember 13, 2018 at 7:38 PM

    The Mohawk proverb, "It's hard to see the future with tears in your eyes" was an eye opener because it speaks of letting go -- forgiveness. Tears can also cloud, as does unforgiveness, the forward movement of time to come. Mankiller encourages all to take control of the direction of their lives without outside influences to steal their dreams.

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  2. Francine WilburDecember 14, 2018 at 4:41 PM

    One of the things I find fascinating is just how important native is to the Native Americans and how connected they are too it. I am so glad for all that I have learned in these past few weeks. Breaking those stereotypes that were created within myself up until this point that I was not even aware of. After watching the "Reel Injuns" a clip was shown with bugs bunny and I would shocked to actually remember watching that episode when I was very young. Those very subtle things unknowingly created those stereotypes toward the Native Americans that I again, had no idea I even thought. I am happy to have expanded my knowledge on these amazing people.

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  3. UnknownDecember 14, 2018 at 5:47 PM

    I agree with what Wima Mankiller said about how the larger society needs to stop stereotyping Indigenous people by romanticizing their relationship with nature. Native people need to join the conversation on environmental protection and be respected and valued as the experts they are. There is a lot of valuable knowledge that can be gained from Native cultural practices. In my blog post I discuss how Australia has decided to move in this direction and it is working out fabulously!

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