08/01/2024
Dear Native Women,
My elders always taught me that there are four ridges of life: birth and childhood as the first ridge, young adulthood as the second, middle age as the third, and older years as the fourth. Whatever part of the journey you may be on, you will always be your greatest project.
We all had to start somewhere. We have all grown and learned from life experiences, many of us through discrimination and racism, lateral oppression, and bullying. Indigenous women are often selfless. We werenโt taught how to undo colonization or how to pursue higher goals. For many of us, we were in survival mode, and yet we survived and thrived.
Despite facing unimaginable hardships, we still raised our children with love and resilience. We have nurtured and guided our families through adversity, instilling in them the values of our ancestors. We have taught them to be strong, to be proud of their heritage, and to never give up.
Understand that the many ridges of life bring gifts, blessings, and lessons. There will be ups and downs, wins and losses, but there is a place for you in this world. The Creator made you for a purpose. You offer gifts that no one else can succeed in. Your voice and your work matter, even on days when you want to give up because it doesnโt feel worth it. As long as you know your purpose, your mission in life, and the impact you bring to your family, community, and the world, you will find light at the end.
Throughout any hardships, we kept going. We kept fighting for our families, our communities, our native youth and our future. We are warriors, and our strength comes from within, we carry the weight of our ancestors; passed down through generations of resilient women who never gave up.
For those who may need to hear this: Indigenous women, you are valued! You are loved, and your contributions are immeasurable. Keep going, keep thriving, and always remember that you are your greatest project.
Support messages like these text NOND to 44-321 or visit our website at www.notournativedaughters.org