TATANKA

How U.S. Policy Shifts Have Undermined Inclusivity and Necessitated Change “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.” — Mahatma Gandhi CulturePop This profound statement underscores the importance of embracing diversity to achieve a harmonious and progressive society. Google’s Deep Dive Podcast: Crossroads of Progress: Examining the Impact of Policy Shifts on Diversity and Inclusion in America Recent policy developments in the United States have placed organizations like TATANKA in a precarious position. While the pursuit of governmental efficiency and cost-cutting may seem like pragmatic goals, the methods employed and the resulting consequences have profound implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In light of these changes, TATANKA has made the deeply saddening but logical decision to relocate its operations to a country that better aligns with our principles and missio...

Indonesia’s Indigenous Papuan population has long faced racism and discrimination, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, violence, and marginalization. Despite the government’s claims of progress, the reality on the ground tells a different story. A Legacy of Oppression The history of Indonesia’s treatment of Indigenous Papuans is marked by violence, displacement, and cultural erasure. From the 1960s to the present day, Papuans have been subject to forced assimilation, land grabbing, and human rights abuses. The result is a community that has been marginalized and excluded from Indonesian society. Racism in the Education System One of the most insidious forms of racism against Indigenous Papuans is in the education system. Papuan students are often forced to adopt Indonesian culture and language, suppressing their own identity and cultural heritage. This perpetuates a cycle of low self-esteem, poor academic performance, and limited opportunities. Discrimination in Employmen...

New Zealand’s Indigenous Rights in Jeopardy New Zealand, once a beacon of hope for Indigenous rights, is facing a tumultuous new era. The country’s right-wing government has ordered public agencies to stop affirmative action policies for Māori people, who are disadvantaged in almost every aspect of life ¹. The Rise of Māori Culture Despite the government’s stance, Māori culture and language have experienced a resurgence in popularity. The language, once on the brink of extinction, is now an integral part of everyday life in New Zealand. People are eager to learn, with waiting lists for classes and a chain store’s Māori language week clothing line selling out in minutes ¹. A Fraught Debate However, this newfound enthusiasm for Māori culture belies a fraught debate about race in New Zealand. The polarized politics and backlash against the previous left-wing government have fueled tensions, with some claiming that special treatment for Māori people has created socia...

We honor our Matriarchs; we honor our Grandmothers. And so I’m fighting for them. I’m fighting for the women in the community and our role in leading our communities. – Odanak First Nation’s Mali Obomsawin tells Indigenous stories through her music Download all media (free) here: echoes-of-the-odanak.zip (172.4 MB) In the quiet whispers of the forests and the powerful echoes of resilient voices, the Odanak First Nations Abenaki have woven a tapestry of history that resounds far beyond the boundaries of Québec. Emerging as a new beacon of cultural revival and emotional resonance is the New Album: “Echoes of the Odanak.” This latest musical journey is more than just an anthology of songs; it is an auditory voyage through time, pain, perseverance, and indomitable spirit. The album serves not merely as entertainment but as a vessel carrying the stories of a people who have weathered the storms of colonization and assimilation, only to rise stronger, more...

We honor our Matriarchs; we honor our Grandmothers. And so I’m fighting for them. I’m fighting for the women in the community and our role in leading our communities. – Odanak First Nation’s Mali Obomsawin tells Indigenous stories through her music Download all media (free) here: echoes-of-the-odanak.zip (172.4 MB) In the quiet whispers of the forests and the powerful echoes of resilient voices, the Odanak First Nations Abenaki have woven a tapestry of history that resounds far beyond the boundaries of Québec. Emerging as a new beacon of cultural revival and emotional resonance is the New Album: “Echoes of the Odanak.” This latest musical journey is more than just an anthology of songs; it is an auditory voyage through time, pain, perseverance, and indomitable spirit. The album serves not merely as entertainment but as a vessel carrying the stories of a people who have weathered the storms of colonization and assimilation, only to rise stronger, more united, and with an unbroken sense...

Editor's Note: One of the focuses of TATANKA's cultural awareness effort is Indigenous Wisdom: Ancient and Future Sustainabilities . An accredited college level course will be free to all via our ISCed.org online learning platform, but for now, the TATANKA Indigenous Peoples 101 web article series will introduce readers to many of the thousands of indigenous cultures and groups and how we will learn from and apply this harmonious knowledge to a more sustainable future for all. There are more than 5,000 different Indigenous Peoples around the world comprising 476 million people – around 6.2% of the global population. They are spread across more than 90 countries in every region and speak more than 4,000 languages.   Source: https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/indigenous-peoples/ ...