Acknowledging & Supporting Native Peoples

Published May 6, 2024

Durrant Farms LLC respectfully acknowledges that the land we are on today is ancestral land of the S’atsoyaha (Yuchi) and Ani-Yun’wiya–or more commonly known as the Cherokee peoples. We recognize these tribes as the native and original stewards of this land, once known by the Cherokee people as the To Ki Ya Sdi–The Place Where They Race. As residents of the land, we recognize that we benefit from the inhumane actions of the United States government throughout the colonization of this land. Through acknowledging the true stewards of the land, we hope to raise awareness of the long and brutal history of colonization displacing native peoples across the globe.

In the hopes of raising such awareness, this post is dedicated to sharing both local and national resources relating to indigenous peoples. It will include educational links to books, articles, and news sites that prioritize historical accuracy and modern day events. Additionally, I will include methods of activism such as petitions for just causes, groups you can volunteer with, and artists and organizations you can support.

News, Articles, and Helpful Tools

Native Land Digital is a great tool for discovering the native lands of people across the globe throughout history. Once you know what land you are residing on, you can go further and learn about the history of those peoples and who they are today. If you’re one that loves to travel, this would be an excellent resource for getting to know the places you go on a deeper level. Native Land Digital is not only a great resource for its map, but it has plenty of other educational resources, ways to give, and volunteer opportunities.

Fostering Indigenous Knowledge to Help Mitigate Climate Change – The Laurel of Asheville

This article written by Agatha Hannah of The Laurel of Asheville describes how the industrial age of agriculture has caused us to shift away from the regenerative farming methods used by indigenous peoples across the globe for centuries; explaining how this shift has played a huge role in human-caused climate change that we are experiencing today. The author discusses indigenous peoples’ relationship with the land and the harmonious and sustainable ecosystems this relationship fostered.

ICT News is an independent non-profit multimedia news enterprise that covers indigenous peoples’ stories in their mission to honor their ancestors and future generations through keeping their stories alive.

Cherokee-women, an article written by Theda Perdue details what it was to be a pre-colonialism Cherokee woman. The Cherokee were once a matriarchal people in which the women had important duties and roles within the villages. They were considered the head of the household, contrary to the contemporary Western nuclear family. When Europeans arrived and spread their influence to the Cherokee peoples, their matriarchal heritage slowly died out.

Native Lands, written by Trey Adcock PhD, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation brings awareness to what it truly means to travel the Appalachian Trail, and the importance of honoring all those who traversed and cared for this land long before the United States existed. He emphasizes the importance of land acknowledgments and explains that “For indigenous peoples, recognizing, showing respect, and walking graciously on another people’s territory has been customary for thousands of years.” Adcock goes on to discuss the many ways in which we can recognize and show respect to these lands and the people that cared for them and those who continue to care for them today.

Organizations and Activism Opportunities

Museum of the Cherokee People

This museum located in Cherokee, NC on the Qualla Boundary is a great place to visit if you’re wanting to learn about the Eastern Cherokee Nation in an up close and authentic way. Here, you will find Cherokee peoples whose ancestors survived the effects of colonialism and continue working to keep their culture alive.

Center for Native Health

A 501 c3 non-profit is a culturally based native health program in which members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and local university members partnered together to address cultural competency issues amongst healthcare providers. You can learn more, volunteer with, or donate to this organization by following the link above.

Native American Rights Petitions

This link will bring you to a page full of different petitions you can sign to assist native peoples across the United States and help protect their rights.

Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation

This foundation, led by a local volunteer advisory board helps build community assets through writing grants, leveraging leadership, and creating permanent endowments in order to benefit the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation.

Weaving Rainbows

Weaving Rainbows is an Asheville local native art gallery, store, and educational and healing center. They offer workshops and events that honor indigenous artisans with their mission being cultural preservation through sharing art to grow cross-cultural understanding.

Indigenous Artists

ART BY CHEROKEE ARTISTS | Facebook

This is a Facebook group you can join in which you can find art for sale by Cherokee artists.

EBCI artists/craftspeople – The Cherokee One Feather

This link will take you to a directory of Eastern band of Cherokee artists and craftspeople.

Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc. | Cherokee, NC

The Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual website has an online shop, educational resources, and a gallery. If you ever make a trip to the Cherokee area, you can visit their co-op store and offer your support in person.

Weaving Rainbows

As mentioned above, Weaving Rainbows is an Asheville local native art gallery and educational and healing center. Through Beyond Fair-Trade partnerships, they work with native artisans in efforts to preserve cultures and life-ways. They have an online store coming soon!

Below, you will find a list of both children’s and adult books about indigenous peoples, predominantly by indigenous authors. Follow the accompanied link for a description page as well as an option for purchase.