 The National Day of Mourning stands as a solemn reminder of the painful history that Native Americans have endured throughout centuries. This day—observed on Thanksgiving— serves as a counter-narrative to the widely celebrated holiday, prompting us to reflect on the profound impact of American colonization and the ongoing struggles faced by indigenous communities. To understand the significance of the National Day of Mourning, an exploration of the dark chapters of indigenous colonization history is necessary.
Pre-Columbian Era: Before the arrival of European settlers, North America was home to a rich variety of indigenous cultures—each with its unique traditions, languages, and societal structures. Native Americans cultivated sustainable relationships with the land, living in harmony with nature for centuries. Contact and Colonization (1492-1607): In 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas, marking the beginning of European contact with indigenous peoples. As European powers expanded their colonies, conflicts arose, leading to violence and the spread of diseases like smallpox, devastating native populations. This phenomenon—often considered biological terror—swept out over half of the native population, and in doing so, eradicated several cultures and languages. The Trail of Tears (1838-1839): One of the darkest episodes in American history, the Trail of Tears resulted from the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). Thousands of Cherokee died during this brutal relocation, highlighting the U.S. government's disregard for indigenous lives. The Indian Wars (1860s-1890s): A series of conflicts erupted as settlers encroached further into indigenous territories, leading to the displacement and loss of native lands. The Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 marked a tragic end to armed conflicts, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Lakota Sioux. Assimilation Policies (Late 19th to Early 20th Century): The U.S. government implemented policies aimed at assimilating Native Americans into mainstream American culture. Boarding schools were established to eradicate native languages and cultural practices, contributing to the erosion of indigenous identities and communities. Termination Era (1950s-1960s): During the mid-20th century, the U.S. government pursued a policy of termination, attempting to eliminate the special relationship between tribes and the federal government. This policy led to the loss of tribal sovereignty and lands, representing an erosion of the promises previously made to indigenous people. Modern Struggles and Activism: Despite centuries of adversity, Native American communities persist, advocating for their rights, land, and cultural preservation. Movements like Standing Rock—which protested the Dakota Access Pipeline—have brought attention to the ongoing challenges faced by indigenous peoples and their fight for environmental justice. One of the most pressing, yet overlooked challenges, is indigenous lawyerless justice. Owing to a severe shortage of indigenous lawyers, most domestic abuse victims and impoverished native residents are forced to lose their cases in indigenous courts. Making matters worse, innocent defendants are squared off against well-versed Western lawyers in federal courts, further widening the economic and power asymmetries rife within our legal system. Closing thoughts: The National Day of Mourning serves as a meaningful occasion to reflect on the enduring legacy of Native American genocide. By acknowledging the historical injustices and contemporary struggles faced by indigenous communities, Americans can work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
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 In recent years, our world has been overtaken by an iteration of competition and comparison that endangers our overall well-being. The threat of falling behind—via downward mobility or loss of status—seizes control of too many of our emotions, leaving us stressed, scrambled, and insecure. In a world with so many diverse ideas and perspectives, we can no longer afford to turn inward and focus only on ourselves. Comparison and competition drive Americans to amass material objects as substitutes for the forms of security that cannot be commodified—solidarity, dignity, respect, generosity, meaning, and connection.
Connections between people are everything. They’re the very foundation of society–a puzzle made up of billions of micro-links. Despite the reign of individualism in American society, connection continues to manifest in beautiful ways that are often overlooked. It’s a smile to the person walking down the street. It’s the way laughter is contagious, and the way we mirror emotions. You hear it in the songs you love and read it between the lines of your favorite poems. You taste it in the food your mother cooks, and you feel it in the loving embrace of my friends. Human connection can be anything, but it is most potent in the simplest forms of empathy and kindness. These powerful, but undervalued emotions are how humans help each other, build each other up, and strengthen communities. Whether with family, friends, coworkers, or the broader community, forging positive connections provides a sense of belonging and nurtures a strong sense of community. The ways in which we go about building these connections matter. While technology can undoubtedly aid in facilitating these human connections, it is crucial to find a balance and not rely solely on it to replace human bonds. Although connecting with people from diverse backgrounds through technology is achievable, face-to-face interactions strengthen bonds and cultivate empathy. The beauty of maintaining these connections lies in the simplicity of stepping out of our comfort zones and initiating conversations, whether it be in person or over the phone. Doing so can foster a sense of community and create lasting connections that enrich our lives. When we extend trust and respect towards others, we can finally grasp new ways of viewing the world—a true paradigm shift in understanding. Connection helps strengthen not only our sense of purpose and self, but also extends a sense of generosity and meaning to our loved ones and communities. Tightening bonds not only with like-minded individuals but also between people we wouldn’t traditionally bond with is the strongest source of solidarity. We create tons of new micro-links each day, and it’s essential that we nurture and cherish them. Go for a walk with a friend, or check in on a loved one. Talk to someone new, and watch your perspective change within minutes. Discover that each connection is priceless and essential for us to thrive together. Only by shifting our focus from comparison to community can we lead a path toward prosperity. Using our platform, Human Connections aims to foster meaningful connections between people of diverse beliefs, ethnicities, nationalities, and experiences. Join us as we build each other up as a community, and create a new era of peace and solidarity. |
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