Native Americans History

05/26/2026

Snow covered the ground around Spotted Elk as his body lay motionless after one of the darkest tragedies in American frontier history. Known to many as Big Foot, the respected Miniconjou Lakota leader was killed during the Wounded Knee Massacre in December 1890 near South Dakota. Sick with pneumonia and traveling with his people toward safety, Spotted Elk had hoped to avoid violence while tensions between the U.S. government and Lakota communities reached a breaking point. Instead, his final journey ended in freezing silence beneath the winter sky beside hundreds of frightened men, women, and children gathered near Wounded Knee Creek.
Witnesses later described a scene of confusion, fear, and panic as U.S. Army soldiers surrounded the Lakota camp during an attempted disarmament. Within moments, chaos erupted across the snow-covered ground. When the firing stopped, the frozen landscape was scattered with the bodies of Lakota people, many of whom had carried no threat at all. Among them lay Spotted Elk, still wrapped in blankets against the cold, his body remaining in the snow long after the violence ended. Photographs taken afterward became some of the most haunting images of the American frontier, preserving the painful reality of a moment many historians now view as the symbolic end of the Indian Wars in the United States.
But the story of Wounded Knee never disappeared quietly into history. For generations, the massacre remained a powerful symbol of broken promises, suffering, and the devastating impact of westward expansion on Native communities across America. Spotted Elk himself became remembered not as a warrior seeking conflict, but as a leader trying desperately to protect his people during a time when survival itself had become uncertain. And maybe that is why the image still feels so heavy today — because beneath the snow at Wounded Knee rested not only a chief, but the fading hope of an entire way of life that was disappearing before the modern world arrived.

05/21/2026

🔴 Her eyes are open. Her voice is covered.
That red handprint over her mouth is not just a symbol — it's a reality for thousands of families whose missing daughters never made the news.
MMIW. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
We are our sisters' keeper.
That means we speak when they cannot.
We search when systems stop looking.
We say their names when the world moves on.
Being a keeper isn't passive. It's a daily choice.

05/20/2026

They positioned themselves on horseback, facing armored vehicles and riot police, not out of a desire for conflict, but because they firmly believed that water takes precedence over profit.
At Standing Rock, the Sioux Tribe and thousands of Indigenous water protectors congregated to voice their opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline's proximity to the Missouri River, citing concerns regarding water safety, treaty rights, and sacred land. Their message was straightforward: “Water is Life.” Elders offered prayers, young individuals rode horseback across the plains, and families endured harsh winter conditions in solidarity. Tribes from across North America united, demonstrating their collective stance. The movement ignited a global discussion about Indigenous rights and environmental protection, regardless of whether one agreed with every aspect of the protest. Years later, the images of militarized vehicles facing unarmed riders and communities standing together to protect their heritage remain powerful. The Standing Rock movement stands as one of the most notable Indigenous-led protests in modern history, underscoring the intrinsic link between clean water, sacred land, and cultural survival for many Native nations. For generations to come, water will remain a vital concern

05/20/2026

🌈 Seven feathers. Seven teachings. One sacred circle.
Love. Wisdom. Respect. Truth. Humility. Honesty. Bravery.
The Seven Grandfather Teachings — carried by the eagle, the beaver, the buffalo, the turtle, the wolf, the sasquatch, and the bear.
Not just words on feathers.
A complete guide for how to walk through this world with purpose and integrity.
Imagine if we all led with just ONE of these today —
how different would our homes, our workplaces, our communities look? 🌿

05/20/2026

"Never underestimate a woman with Native blood."
She carries centuries in her veins.
The resilience of grandmothers
who survived what was meant to erase them.
The wisdom of ancestors
who read the land like a language.
The fire of a people
who were counted out —
and are still here, still rising, still unbreakable.
She is not just strong.
She is generationally strong.
That kind of power doesn't break under pressure.
It was literally built by it. 🔥

05/20/2026

05/16/2026

Specialist Moses Brave Heart of the South Dakota Army National Guard received a religious accommodation from the U.S. Army. The Oglala Sioux soldier can now grow his hair long and wear traditional Sioux head decorations including an eagle feather for official Army portraits. He follows the Army female grooming standards for length and style. Brave Heart began growing his hair out after the approval came through in 2023.
This step means a lot for Native soldiers who want to serve while staying connected to their culture. Brave Heart shows quiet strength by standing up for his identity in the military. His story highlights growing respect for Indigenous traditions and opens the door for others to seek similar accommodations. Many in Native communities see it as progress toward true inclusion.
This victory celebrates the beauty of honoring who you are while defending your country.
(Photo: Specialist Moses Brave Heart)

05/16/2026

When I share about certain topics like racism, native history, ethnocide, slavery, and erasure of true history, time and time again I hear from the naysayers, "Why are you wasting your time on the past. What difference does it make. Move on. Get over it."
If there is anything that this fascist and racist administration has proven out is that oppressing people of color is still high on the priority list. We need no further proof than the ethnic cleansing being conducted by trump's ICESTAPO goons. The brutal tactics used by ICE is so reminiscent of the actions by tyrants throughout history. Once they are in power, they resort to violence to maintain control. To intimidate. To bully. To oppress.
Colonizers gotta colonize.
They must be reminded, in fact, everyone must be reminded - "Never again."
We will tell our stories.
We will remember our ancestors.
We will share our history.
We will safeguard the ways of our people.
We will honor our elders.
We will sing our songs.
We will persevere.
I'M NOT MOVING ON BECAUSE IT AIN'T OVER.

05/15/2026

They never hung this map in your history classroom.
Why?
Because "Before It Was America" wasn't empty land waiting to be discovered.
It was home to hundreds of nations. Cherokee. Navajo. Sioux. Apache. Comanche. Each with their own government, language, and borders. For thousands of years.
Your textbook started at 1776.
This map starts at the truth.

05/15/2026

Ashley Callingbull’s achievements represent far more than success in pageantry—they reflect a powerful shift in visibility and representation for Indigenous communities on national and international stages. In 2024, Ashley Callingbull became the first Indigenous woman to win Miss Universe Canada, adding another historic milestone to a journey that has already inspired many people across Canada and beyond. Years earlier, she also became the first Indigenous woman to earn the title of Mrs. Universe, helping bring Indigenous identity into spaces where it had rarely been represented.
Raised in the Enoch Cree Nation, Ashley has consistently spoken about the importance of embracing culture, identity, and self-worth. Her work as an actress, television host, and public speaker has allowed her to use visibility as a tool for advocacy rather than personal recognition alone. Through interviews, campaigns, and public appearances, she has encouraged young people—especially Indigenous youth—to feel proud of who they are and to believe their voices belong in every space.
Representation carries a deeper meaning because it influences how communities are seen and how future generations view themselves. For many Indigenous people, seeing someone from their background succeed on highly visible platforms creates a sense of possibility that extends beyond entertainment or titles. It challenges long-standing stereotypes while opening conversations about inclusion, leadership, and cultural respect. Moments like these help create broader awareness of Indigenous experiences that have often been overlooked in mainstream media.
Ashley Callingbull’s journey also reflects the resilience that Indigenous women have long carried within their communities. Their leadership, strength, and cultural knowledge have always existed, even when larger institutions failed to recognize them. Seeing Indigenous women celebrated on global stages does not create that strength—it finally gives wider visibility to something that has always been present. Her accomplishments serve as a reminder that representation can influence confidence, opportunities, and the belief that future generations deserve to be seen, heard, and valued.