Native American Heritage
Prior to the arrival of the European colonizers, Native Americans were spread throughout the Americas. With the arrival of Spain and England, these First Nations were slaughtered by the "civilized" soldiers and priests of the conquering European nations. These invaders felt the need to "civilize and save" the "hordes of heathens." What they did not kill for, outright, they harvested when the native population began dying out from the diseases introduced by European occupiers.
As new nations formed, native tribes were forcibly removed from their lands and pushed farther and father west, away from the burgeoning white population.
Though many treaties were entered into, nearly all were broken. Native and indigenous peoples have begun to see more support for their full autonomy. Whether it's government agencies turning care of public lands over to native tribes, rallying support for native and indigenous causes, or tribes making use of their sovereign lands to fund the tribe's missions, more and more native cultures are seeing a resurgence in support from the general public that will, hopefully, continue.
"Indigenous communities across the globe are experts at managing and protecting land. Is it time the U.S. finally returned STOLEN parklands back to them?" - How the #LandBack Movement Might Help Save The Planet
"Christopher Columbus discovered the New World." - This statement is inaccurate since indigenous peoples populated the Americas long before Columbus arrived. In fact, it was estimated in 1992 by geographer William Denevan, that around 54 million indigenous people inhabited the entirety of the Americas prior to the arrival of Columbus. On top of the inaccuracy of the statement is the cruelty that Columbus enacted upon the native tribes he encountered.
"Let's have a quick 'powwow.'" - In native culture, powwows are social gatherings for ceremonies and celebrations and have strict protocols to ensure they follow proper traditions. To compare a quick business meeting to this long indigenous heritage is at a minimum disrespectful. Try saying, "Can we have a quick chat?"
"Low man on the totem pole." - Totem poles are sacred to those who carve and display them. They are a record of family lore, clan lineages, and notable events. In some First Nation communities being the lowest on the totem pole is actual one of the highest honors. The use of the term can be seen as cultural appropriation and can instead be said, "That is not something that falls in my current position."
The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a plant native to Mexico and Central America. The poinsettia has a rich cultural history among the Aztecs, the indigenous people of Mexico. The plant, known as "Cuetlaxochitl" in Nahuatl, the Aztec language, held significant symbolism and importance in Aztec traditions.
Symbolism and Religious Significance:
The Aztecs used the poinsettia in various religious ceremonies and celebrations. The plant was associated with the winter solstice festival, which coincided with the arrival of the Aztec month of Teotleco (divine lord).
The red bracts of the poinsettia were believed to symbolize the blood of sacrificed warriors, an integral part of Aztec religious practices.
Cuetlaxochitl was also used as a symbol of purity. It was believed to represent the purity of sacrifice and the transformation of warriors into beautiful and fragrant flowers.
Practical Uses:
In addition to its ceremonial uses, the Aztecs found practical applications for the poinsettia. They extracted a red dye from the plant's bracts, which was used for coloring textiles and as body paint during religious ceremonies.
Cultural Tradition:
Cuetlaxochitl had a place in Aztec mythology and folklore, often associated with stories of love and sacrifice. The plant was said to have originated from the story of a young girl who, lacking a gift for the celebration of the deity Huitzilopochtli, was inspired to offer weeds. Miraculously, these weeds transformed into the vibrant red flowers of the poinsettia.
Legacy and Influence:
The cultural significance of the poinsettia persisted even after the decline of the Aztec civilization. When Joel Poinsett encountered the plant in the 19th century, he inadvertently played a role in reintroducing it to the world. The plant's association with Christmas and its popularity as a festive decoration can be traced back to its Aztec roots.
Many native tribes adopted the traditional gardening technique of the Three Sisters, however, it originated with the Haudenosaunee (hah-dee-no-shownee). Their name translates to "People of the Longhouse."
What are the three sisters of this traditional garden?
Why are these considered the three sisters? These crops are complements of each other. Corn is planted first and allowed to rise from the Earth. Once the corn has reached a few feet in height, the beans are planted and grow up the corn stalks and around it. This protects this stabilizes the corn in the wind and the beans provided much needed nitrogen for the soil in order for the corn and squash to reach their full potential. Once the beans are emerging, squash is planted. This adds another layer of protection, since the squash leaves are large and can provide shade, help the soil retain moisture, prevent weed growth, and discourages invading insects. These sisters protect and nourish each other as well as feeding their native cultivators. A beautiful symbiotic relationship. You can learn more about Three Sisters Gardens here. You can also check out this great informational blog from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
To the Iroquois people, corn, beans, and squash are the Three Sisters, the physical and spiritual sustainers of life. These life-supporting plants were given to the people when all three miraculously sprouted from the body of Sky Woman's daughter, granting the gift of agriculture to the Iroquois nations.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History. (2018). The Three Sisters: Sustainers of life.
