Pic cred: blog.nativehope.org
Dear PrideVMC Members,
Several years ago, I had the honor of attending the sunrise ceremony for indigenous peoples on Alcatraz Island. This was truly one of the most moving and cherished experiences that I have had of the thanksgiving holiday. Getting up early and taking the ferry across San Francisco Bay surrounded by groups of indigenous dancers and folks in ceremonial dress in the pre-dawn hours I felt so blessed to be able to participate as an observer. To see this holiday through the eyes of people celebrating their culture and heritage despite the trauma and abuse they have suffered at the hands of colonizers filled me with hope.
I wished in that moment that we could all learn to treat one another with love and respect and open-heartedness and that we could celebrate this holiday in a new way. I am reminded of our queer ancestors who were also traumatized and abused yet continued to fight for our rights as LGBTQ+ folks. I am thankful today for all the ancestors, indigenous, queer, formerly enslaved that have gone before us and I will take time today to sit and reflect on all of the abuse and injustices that were placed upon them.
I acknowledge my privilege and pledge to move forward toward a better world. As I gather virtually with chosen family, I will remember and hope that acknowledging Native American Heritage Day will be a new tradition. While I am thankful and grateful, I also recognize the work that we need to do. This day is to me a solemn reminder that it is our responsibility to keep working and keep fighting for the rights of folks that do not have the same privileges that we do. I hope that today is the start of a wonderful season for all of you and that however you choose to celebrate, we all remember that we are together moving the needle forward for a better world.
Regards,
Dane Whitaker, DVM, MPVM
PrideVMC Board President
