Honoring The Women Who Have Shaped Our Community

Indigenous women have long been the protectors of our lands, the sustainers of our languages, and the bearers of our future. They challenge erasure with powerful leadership, standing at the forefront of movements for environmental justice and sovereignty while nurturing the cultural, spiritual, and communal bonds that keep us whole. 

This month and every month we honor the matriarchs who have carried our people through centuries of upheaval and renewal. Join us as we reflect on the vital roles women have played in shaping our communities. When Indigenous women are empowered, entire communities prosper.

“My Nånan Bihas (grandmothers) and Nina (godmother) ingrained in me a deep understanding and belonging to my People, our traditions, medicine, and the lands of my ancestors. They shaped the woman I am today as I carry the knowledge of my mañaina (elders) who came before.” -Briana | CHamoru

“I am the direct beneficiary of many Mothers by many names, many times, places and generations. These are the ones in our communities who give us life. In all her forms, Mother has been an important influence in how I mother my own four children from the time they first entered my womb waters.”-Dawn | Anishinaabe

“Our mom, Brenda, and step-mom Michele built all of our dad’s children into a large extended family. They each excelled in their fields. Our mom was the director of foster care for Hamilton County and Michele helped advance care in diabetes care.”- -Shana and Mia | Omaha

“My mom was strict and loving, making sure the four of us never went without anything we needed.”-Homer | Anishinaabe

“My Aunt Deb was creative, whether it was through a craft, cooking, or storytelling. Her impact in our lives continues to be felt, even after her passing in 2019. She is deeply loved and missed.”-Erica | Mvskoke

“My mother Carol loves to tell a story, cook a delicious meal, crack a joke, and burst into song. Like my grandmother, she is a talented artist and musician. By sharing her love of fishing, camping, and birdwatching she nurtured my reverence for nature and joyful kinship with all of our relations.”-Cate | Anishinaabe

“My mom instilled in me the value and desire to strive for social justice. Her ongoing courage to stand up for herself and others, even when it is at her own risk, is something I have always admired about my mom.” -Sylvia | Pipil & Lenca

“Sharon, my Mom, and her sis, my Aunt Bella. Sisterhood. You could live a thousand lifetimes together and still feel like you are only scratching the surface. The depth of their love, their laughter, and their wisdom is immeasurable. There is no separation. I am because they are.” -Stephanie | Mohawk

​​“We celebrate our mother, Sophia, a beacon of strength and resilience who has faced numerous adversities throughout her life. Her strength and faith inspires those around her, demonstrating the power of perseverance and hope. She is a devoted Grandmother and thrives in her role, spending as much free time as she can with her 12 grandchildren.“ -April, Michelle, Amanda & Josh | Mvskoke and Ojibwe Cree

“My Abuela, Maria Theresa Miranda Marrero, passed in 2013 but I still feel very close to her and it has been one of my pillars of personal fortitude to feel I can still be in touch with her somehow. She was a teacher, had a beautiful voice, and taught me about cleaning rice, prayer, and not to fear cockroaches. She and my Abuelo came to the US to help my mom take care of me and my brother when I was born. That is why I can say Spanish was my first language.”-Pedal | Taino

“My mom, Carla, and grandma, Priscilla (or as we call her Dya’au) have birthdays on the same day and share the same humor, scrappiness, and compassion. It’s bittersweet seeing the way my mom takes care of Dya’au now— the way the roles between mothers and daughters flips with age. My sisters and I see them together and we see our relationship with our mom reflected in them.” Kyrié | Comanche

“At 98, my grandmother, Elizabeth “Licha,” still shapes me through her daily prayers, naming each of us in them and keeping us woven together in ways I can’t always see but always feel. She’s in Mexico, we’re in the U.S., but her prayers move like currents beneath it all—steady, sustaining. As she's always told my siblings and I , “Aunque no estemos cerca , siempre te estoy viendo con los ojos de mi corazón”—“Even if we are not near, I am always seeing you with the eyes of my heart.”-Rebecca | Xicanx

Cheryl Johncox, “kola” - friend, walking alongside me without seeking to take control, while bridging the gap between Indigenous knowledge and the dominant system. Her deep understanding of industry, commitment to living in right relation, and embracement of her "grandma" responsibilities to my children reflect her respect for Indigenous ways. The growth we’ve experienced in our relationship, and the space to evolve at my own pace, has been integral to my spiritual and mental journey. I am who I am, because of my relationships and the connection I have with Cheryl is sacred that words can’t encapsulate the meaning and lived experience. -Shelly | Lakota

Sarah, my eldest sister, is many things to me. She’s equal parts caregiver, sister, and friend. She approaches everything she does with passion and enthusiasm that people around her can’t help but notice and be drawn in by. She’s always supportive of the people in her life and I feel so lucky to be one of them. I know that no matter what, Sarah will always be there for me. My older sister Anna is one of the people I admire the most in the world. She’s driven, incredibly hard working, and probably the funniest person I know. Her efforts with language learning and cultural reconnection inspire me to keep up my own efforts, even when I’m discouraged. She’ll soon be starting her residency at Hennepin County Medical Center and I could not be more proud of her.- Jenna | Anishinaabe

A living treasure of Hawaiʻi, Aunty Nalani dedicated her life to preserving and sharing Hawaiian culture through music, hula, and education. From captivating audiences at Carnegie Hall to serving as a soloist with the Royal Hawaiian Band, she brought the spirit of Hawaiʻi to the world. She was a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, a fierce advocate for iwi kūpuna (ancestral remains), and the founder of programs like He Ala Kulāiwi, which empowered incarcerated individuals through Hawaiian spirituality and self-identity.

Her impact extended beyond the stage—she worked tirelessly to protect Hawaiian heritage, educate communities, and support women and children affected by substance abuse and domestic violence. She and her husband reestablished the hula mound Pā Kamaʻipuʻupaʻa at Moanalua Gardens and co-founded the iconic Prince Lot Hula Festival, ensuring that the art of hula continues to thrive.

Her legacy lives on through her ʻohana, the songs she shared, the traditions she safeguarded, and the countless lives she touched. Mahalo, Aunty Nalani, for your unwavering love and dedication to Hawaiʻi.- Skye | Kanaka Ōiwi

A Message To Our Community

Relatives, kin, and relations,

We find ourselves in a season of uncertainty, standing at the edges of a shifting landscape. The winds of change carry whispers of disruption—executive orders passed in the night, policies reshaped without consultation, and a tightening grip on the spaces where our voices have long fought to be heard. Once again, we are reminded that the ground beneath us is not as settled as we hoped, and that the work of holding sovereignty, dignity, and belonging is never done.

It is no accident that we are here together. We, the descendants of those who have always belonged to this land, know what it is to endure, to adapt, and to move forward with purpose. In times like these, our teachings become even more vital. We do not scatter like leaves in the wind; we root deeper. We do not disappear into the margins; we rise, we remember, and we gather.

There will be those who try to erase our presence, who question our right to be here, who reduce us to checkboxes in an ever-changing DEI equation. But we are not a checkbox, and we are not here by permission—we are here by birthright. Our ancestors did not endure centuries of removal, surveillance, and borderlines so that we might ask to belong. We are already home.

Let us anchor ourselves in what has always been true:
We are not alone. Our kinship extends beyond policy and politics; it is woven into the land, the waters, the languages we carry.
We are sovereign, not because a government recognizes it, but because it is an unbroken truth that predates every system built on our erasure.
We are connected. Our struggles are not just ours; they are bound to all those who seek justice, dignity, and the right to exist without fear.

Now is the time to remember who we are. To strengthen our relations, to protect each other, to listen deeply and move with intention. To reclaim our stories, to continue speaking our languages, to hold our ceremonies close. To stand firm in the face of those who would question our presence.

We were made for this time. We have always known how to withstand the storm. And like the seeds buried deep in winter’s cold, we will rise again—stronger, wiser, and carrying forward the medicine of our people.

Coming Together: A Gathering of Native American Leaders in Ohio

In late December 2024, as the year drew to a close and the nation prepared to usher in a new administration, Native American leaders from across Ohio gathered to share a meal. This was no ordinary meeting. Leaders from Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and other cities came together, not out of protest or resistance, but to reconnect—to honor the enduring ties that bind us as Native Peoples, no matter where we live.

The gathering was a moment of reflection, a time to pause and consider not only the challenges we face but the opportunities that lie ahead. It was a time to lean into our teachings, to embrace the lessons of our ancestors, and to explore what it truly means to live as Native Peoples away from our homelands. For many of us, being an "Urban Native" isn’t about city living—it’s about the experience of being away from the lands and communities that shape us. It’s about holding on to our Indigenatey in unfamiliar and often isolating spaces, all while building new connections and creating a sense of belonging and kinship wherever we are.

The Legacy of Disconnection and Resilience

Ohio’s Native history is a story of resilience against immense odds. In the 1800s, Tribal Nations were forcibly removed from these lands, leaving no reservations, no Tribal governance, and no infrastructure such as Indian Health Service clinics or Bureau of Indian Affairs offices. For generations, Native Peoples in Ohio have had to navigate life without the systems of support that exist in other regions. Thirty years ago, Ohio was home to more than 20 Native-serving organizations, including three in Cincinnati alone. Today, only a handful remain. Despite this, our communities have endured. Those who have come to Ohio for work, education, or other opportunities have leaned on each other, forming intertribal and inter-Indigenous communities. These networks have become places of kinship, where shared experiences create a bond as strong as blood ties. Together, we have found ways to not only survive but to thrive.

A Moment of Connection

The December gathering was a testament to our Native People's ability to rise to the occasion and answer the call on behalf of our future generations. Rather than focusing on the battles ahead, we chose to focus on who we are and who we want to become. As one Native leader reflected during the meeting, “We ask ourselves, how does one overcome the legacy of divide and conquer? The answer is in coming together.” 

The meal was more than a time to share food; it was a time to share stories, wisdom, and hope. It was a moment to recognize that while the political winds may shift, our identity as Native Peoples remains steadfast. We are guided by the knowledge that our ancestors adapted to countless changes and thrived, and so can we. The gathering served as a reminder that connection—to each other, to our traditions, and to our future—is the antidote to division and disconnection.

Looking to 2025 and Beyond

As we turn the page to a new year, we carry forward the lessons of this gathering. The challenges we face—climate change, social injustice, and political instability—are immense, but so is our capacity for adaptation and innovation. We are reminded that our strength lies in our unity and in our ability to draw from the deep well of wisdom that our ancestors left for us. For those who live far from their homelands, the new year offers an opportunity to reconnect in new ways. Whether through organizations like the Urban Native Collective, which provides a space for belonging and cultural exchange, or through gatherings like this one, we can continue to build the networks and support systems that sustain us.

This gathering of Native leaders was not just a reflection of who we are, but a quiet promise of who we are becoming. As the wheel of the year turns toward 2025, we carry with us the understanding that while the world around us may shift and change, our identity as the first citizens of our Tribal and Indigenous Nations is unshaken, as constant as the drumbeat of the earth. We are Ohio Urban Natives, living far from our homelands, yet those lands live within us—in the stories we tell, the work of our hands, and the ways we carry ourselves through this world.

The road ahead is uncertain, like a fog-covered path at dawn, but within that uncertainty lies the vastness of possibility. Together, we will continue to honor the teachings of our ancestors, hold up our communities with care, and dream a future where our children can thrive and grow strong. This is how we move forward—hand in hand, heart to heart—woven together by connection, nourished by kinship, and rooted in the enduring strength of our People.

NOTE: This event was a private gathering, and we wish to keep it that way—Those who were in attendance were meant to be there, and they know who they are. As you read, please understand that we purposefully leave certain aspects out of this writing, honoring the privacy and sanctity of the gathering.  

3rd Annual R.E.A.C.H. Festival

Urban Native Collective was proud to support the third annual R.E.A.C.H. Indigenous Advocacy Festival. Held from November 15–17, 2024, at Wright State University’s Student Union, the festival celebrated Native heritage and culture with an engaging mix of performances, discussions, and exhibitions. Co-hosted by Wright State’s Asian and Native American Center, the festival spotlighted themes of authentic representation, education, art, community, and healing.

Friday: The weekend kicked off with a Friday evening dinner reception catered by Indigenous Chef, featuring awards, flute and hoop dance performances. The evening honored local community leader Guy Jones for his 40 years of advocacy in the Dayton region with the establishment of a scholarship in his name for Indigenous youth pursuing degrees at Wright State. Following dinner, artists from across the country opened their vendor booths, showcasing works of art and craftsmanship. The evening also included a panel on the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) highlighting ongoing efforts in compliance with the updated laws and their importance. 

Saturday: The festival continued with performances by Iron Lightning Drum and Cherokee elders’ storytelling. Guests explored an art exhibition which juxtaposed the historic photographs of Edward S. Curtis with contemporary Native art, offering a deeper understanding of the evolution of Native representation. The day also saw the kickoff of the children’s art and dance competition, which included categories for spoken word, visual arts, and traditional dance. Closing out the day, a powerful women veterans’ panel discussing “Why We Serve,” explored the importance of cultural inclusion and representation in the military. 

Sunday: The festival wrapped up with another day of engaging performances and discussions. The day began with the conclusion of the children’s dance competition, where the winners were announced and all participant’s talent was celebrated. A live recording of Urban Native Collective’s "Life on the Margins: An Urban Native Experience" podcast followed, featuring R.E.A.C.H. founder Stephanie Van Hoose and artist Jillian Waterman, who shared their perspectives on cultural revitalization, collective healing, and advocacy work. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a hoop dancing workshop, learning the fundamentals of the beautiful dance form.

The festival concluded with prayers and a vision for future growth, bringing together the Dayton and Ohio region’s Indigenous peoples to celebrate strength, community, and healing. 

Indigenous Peoples' Day Convergence 2024

2024 Marked the 6th Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Convergence in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Friday, October 11th marked the vibrant start of the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Convergence with a Gallery Opening Party at the Contemporary Arts Center. Inside the black box theatre, each artist showcased a piece, setting the stage for an immersive experience. A captivating video projection by Juan “Wamoo” Alvarez served as the backdrop for an energizing set by DJ Creepingbear, filling the room with a dynamic fusion of visuals and sound. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by an Indigenous Chef while exploring the artwork on display and moving between the Contemporary Arts Center and the 21C Museum Hotel next door, where the exhibition continued. A highlight of the evening was a performance by Copperface United Powwow Drummers and Dancers, led by Josh Gibbs. Their songs were accompanied by a range of traditional dance styles, with educational moments that explained the cultural significance of each dance and the beautiful regalia worn by the dancers. The event concluded with a round dance, bringing everyone together in a celebration of community.

Saturday, October 12th featured an engaging Artist Speaker Series in the ballroom of the 21C Museum Hotel. Guests heard inspiring talks from the artists featured in the Native Resistance exhibition. (Rebecca Nava Soto, Leland Butler, Noel Magathe, Booker Bartow, Carlos Ramirez, Juan “Wamoo” Alvarez, and Ken Williams Jr.). The event was an opportunity for education, conversation, and reflection on the ways artistic expression serves as a form of resistance. Following moving opening remarks from both UNC Board President Dawn Kickerbocker and exhibition curator Leonard Harmon, attendees had the opportunity to hear each artist as they took the stage to share their personal histories, the inspirations behind their work, and their creative processes. These conversations offered deep insights into the diverse narratives that shape contemporary Indigeneity and provided a richer context for viewing the exhibition. 

Sunday, October 13th was dedicated to a private gathering for the artists, speakers, performers, volunteers, and community members, offering a more intimate setting for collaboration and appreciation. 

The convergence culminated on Monday, October 14th with our sixth annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Feast at Hoffner Park in Northside. Community members generously shared traditional dishes from their respective cultures, fostering a spirit of unity. Attendees gathered around a bonfire, enjoying one another’s company, the warm atmosphere, and another performance from the Copper Face United Powwow Dancers. This powerful celebration of cultural and community pride made for a fitting conclusion to the convergence, leaving everyone with a sense of solidarity and inspiration.

World Indigenous Peoples' Day Concert

On August 10th 2024, the Urban Native Collective joined with Wright State University’s Indigenous American Culture Student Association, Dayton Society of Natural History, Sunwatch Village, R.E.A.C.H Indigenous Advocacy, and Native Audio to host an inspiring concert for World Indigenous Peoples Day at the Dayton Levitt Pavilion. The evening was filled with music, community, and connection as local Indigenous leader Guy Jones opened the event. In his remarks, he emphasized the themes of unity, pride, and the powerful collective voice of Indigenous peoples.

The first musical act, Topknot, a talented solo artist of Blackfeet and Metis heritage, captivated the audience with powerful vocals and masterful guitar work. Diggin’ Roots followed with a high-energy set, blending upbeat, celebratory songs with personal stories from their home Anishinaabe and Onkwehónwe communities in Quebec, along with anecdotes from their experiences performing on the powwow circuit and worldwide.

In addition to the performances, community members engaged with representatives from the organizations, learning about programs, events, and civic engagement initiatives that support the Indigenous peoples in our region.

The evening concluded with a round dance, bringing everyone together in celebration and leaving attendees with a sense of connection and uplifted spirits.

1876 at the Northside Rock and Roll Carnival

On July 6th 2024, 1876 brought the heat to Cincinnati’s Northside Rock 'n' Roll Carnival, delivering a powerful performance that had the crowd fully immersed in the powwow punk experience. The Urban Native Collective was proud to introduce the band to our community, and as 1876 launched into their set, the audience was immediately drawn into the pulse of the music. Fans cheered, danced, and even moshed to the heavy guitar riffs, while others joined in with fists raised to the powerful lyrics that celebrated Indigenous resilience and self-expression. 1876 blends traditional powwow rhythms with the raw, aggressive edge of punk rock, creating a sound that was both deeply cultural and wildly energetic. With each song, 1876 brought the unmistakable sounds of their Northern Cheyenne and Blackfeet roots into a modern punk landscape. With lyrics touching on identity, resilience, and social justice, their music hit hard, and the crowd responded in full force. The band's members engaged with the audience through the night, telling jokes and sharing stories. After their explosive set, 1876 took time to meet fans, sign merch, and connect one-on-one. Formed in 2020 with a dream of cultural resurgence, 1876 has quickly built a reputation for blending cultural pride with punk rebellion. By the end of the night, the energy was palpable—everyone left knowing that Native people were here, are here, and will continue to be here.

Incident at Oglala Film Screening

On June 27th 2024, UNC hosted a powerful screening of Incident at Oglala: The Leonard Peltier Story, a film which delves into the controversial trial and conviction of the Native activist. Leonard Peltier, who has spent nearly 50 years in prison, is the longest-held Indigenous political prisoner in U.S. history. The film shed light on the unjust trial, the historical struggles faced by Indigenous communities, and the importance of advocacy in self-determination. Following the screening, community members participated in a virtual discussion with Chauncey Peltier, Leonard's son, who shared personal insights into his father’s ongoing fight for justice and the impact of his case on Indigenous rights. Audience members had the chance to ask questions and offer their support to the Peltier family. Those in attendance left with a deeper understanding of the case and a reminder of the importance of solidarity in the pursuit of justice. The evening was both eye-opening and moving, offering a chance for deep reflection and conversation about the long-standing issues of Indigenous sovereignty and resistance. Those in attendance left with a deeper understanding of the case and a renewed sense of the importance of solidarity in the pursuit of justice.

American Legacy Theatre Storytelling Showcase

In partnership with the American Legacy Theatre, the Urban Native Collective hosted a series of storytelling workshops designed to engage and inspire youth within our community. Through shared stories, food, and dance, children explored themes of culture, belonging, and the importance of being responsible community members. Guided by American Legacy Theatre  facilitators, the children used imaginative play and creative movement to express their own interpretations of these themes, discovering new ways to connect with their heritage and each other. The workshops culminated in a vibrant performance at the Contemporary Art Center’s black box theater, where family and friends gathered to witness the children’s newly developed skills. Together, they created a unique, expressive piece of movement art that celebrated their growth and imagination.

Cincinnati Symphony May Festival- Steiger Butte Drummers and Singers' Performance

On May 23, 2024, the Urban Native Collective opened the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s Voices of the Earth concert. The event featured Natural History, a collaboration between composer Michael Gordon and the Steiger Butte Singers. Through surround-sound compositions, the audience was invited to experience Giiwas, or Crater Lake, as a living symphony, capturing its natural wonder and deep cultural significance as a sacred site for the Klamath Tribes of Oregon. The evening began with opening remarks from UNC’s leadership, followed by the presentation of traditional gifts from Taylor Tupper, a citizen of the Klamath Tribes and a longtime member of the Steiger Butte Singers. Taylor also gave an artist talk, sharing insights into bringing Giiwas to life in collaboration with the composer. Later, on the Life on the Margins podcast, she reflected further on the powerful blend of Indigenous and symphonic sounds used to honor nature and cultural heritage. The concert left a lasting impact, celebrating the timeless connection between people and the Earth through music and tradition.

Art After Dark: Native Visions

On Friday, March 29, 2024, the Urban Native Collective partnered with the Cincinnati Art Museum to host Art After Dark: Native Visions, an evening celebrating contemporary Native American and Indigenous Pacific-Rim art. 

DJ Creepingbear performed a set, entertaining over one thousand guests with upbeat music in the Grand Hall, while artist Leonard Harmon captivated audiences with a live painting performance. Harmon’s piece, a reimagining of a historically problematic sign interwoven with iconic Cincinnati landmarks, featured the phrase “On a warpath for change,” symbolizing the presence and strength of the Native community. The artwork, which transformed an object of harm into a call for understanding and reconciliation, was raffled off to a community member during the event. 

Guests also enjoyed food from the Indigenous Chef food truck and explored the museum's exhibitions. The extraordinary exhibition Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass was the feature of the event, showcasing 120 works by 33 artists blending traditional stories with the expressive potential of glass artwork. The exhibition included works by artists like Preston Singletary (Tlingit) and Dan Friday (Lummi), who explore themes of identity, resilience, belonging. The event highlighted the vitality of contemporary Indigenous art, blending tradition with modern expression. 

Line 5 Protest and Water Ceremony

On March 21, 2024, Urban Native Collective joined over 200 activists gathered at Cincinnati's Fountain Square to rally against the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline. Organized by environmental activism group Oil and Water Don’t Mix, the event coincided with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's arguments before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals to keep the lawsuit calling for Line 5’s decommissioning in state court. 

Nessel, joined by tribal leaders and environmental advocates, emphasized the pipeline's threat to both the Great Lakes and to Indigenous sovereignty. Many community members from Michigan and Wisconsin travelled to Cincinnati to stand together and witness the court proceedings. Speakers, including Andrea Pierce of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and Sean McBrearty from Oil and Water Don’t Mix, voiced the critical need to protect the ecologically sensitive Straits of Mackinac from continual harm and potential environmental disaster caused by the unstable 70 year old pipeline, which was due to be decommissioned over 20 years ago. 

After the rally, water protectors marched to the Ohio Riverfront, where we held a water ceremony with prayers and song to honor the life-giving waters and the interconnectedness of all waterways. The ceremony honored our sacred relationship with and duty to protect water, reinforcing the rally’s message: prioritizing environmental stewardship and Indigenous rights over corporate exploitation. Together, the collective resistance of over 60 Tribal Nations and environmental advocates stood unified in their fight to protect the Great Lakes and all vital water sources for future generations. 

Native Sovereignty Center Grand Opening!

On February 16, 2024, UNC threw a grand opening celebration with more than 75 people visiting throughout the event, braving a heavy winter snowstorm that hit the greater Cincinnati metro area. People came from around the region, including from Dayton, Yellow Springs, and up from Kentucky as well. We were also joined by local businesses from the neighborhood and other BIPOC organizations who joined in to celebrate.

 As a new community space, the Native Sovereignty Center serves as a power-building location and place to come together, offering a full meeting space, lounge, and an open-door policy for people to come by and learn about the Native community in Cincinnati. We also house an Indigenous lending library, which provides people a chance to enjoy and check out books and stories that feature Native cultures and authors from around the world.

Letter To Our Community

To our community:

The team at the Urban Native Collective (UNC) has recently faced the task of removing Jheri Neri from his former position as Executive Director. We took this action on December 1, 2022 after receiving several allegations from women and gender nonconforming people in our community of past and ongoing sexual misconduct. 

As the UNC Board of Directors (Board), it is our duty to ensure that this and other leadership roles at UNC are held in high esteem by the community and that there is trust, honesty, and integrity shared with those we serve, and with our relatives and relations. With this responsibility in mind, the Board made the swift and necessary decision to separate Jheri Neri from the organization and to make the removal and the allegations public. 

The Board has taken several immediate steps to respect the wisdom of those who experienced harm and is continuing to make major changes to processes, activities, structures, and leadership. During this period of change, Sarah Hernandez, former Chief Operating Officer, has been named the Interim Executive Director of UNC and is keeping a sacred circle. Over the course of the next few months, the UNC board will continue to conduct a deeper investigation into allegations of Jheri Neri’s misconduct. 

We wish to assure our community and relatives that our focus on education, advocacy, and support of Indigenous people and Native communities in the region remains strong. We are certain that our community can count on the emergent leadership of Native women that has recently come forward in response to the allegations against Jheri Neri. Our focus during this time is community healing, connection, and building resilience.

We ask the community to be patient with us as we navigate these matters and to expect a transformation of the organization as we work to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for our community. 

Sincerely,

UNC Board of Directors

Urgent Mutual Aid Need For Relatives in Lil'wat!

In 2019 we had the honor of hosting Jackie Andrew (also known as Huckleberry Eyes) during the week of World Peace and Prayer Day. She is a traditional Bear Dancer and Spokeswoman of Lil’wat Nation located in Interior Salish, BC. Over the years she has continued to be a dear friend and supporter of our Coalition and now her community needs our help!

Lil’wat Nation is on fire. For many years of the First Nations people of Interior Salish have prescribed cultural controlled burns for fire management. The government has disregarded this and has created the current catastrophe. There are currently 270 fires burning across British Columbia and hundreds have been evacuated from their homes. Find out more by clicking here.

You can help support Jackie as she fights alongside her community to protect their home. Her paypal is lilwatlady@gmail.com

Please continue to watch this page as we will update it as the situation develops.

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Here are some photos that have been shared with us by Jackie.

If you would like to share this image, please do!

The Shawnee: The Original Inhabitants of The Ohio River Valley

Today, the Shawnee are comprised of three federally recognized American Indian tribes—the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, located near Shawnee, Oklahoma; Eastern Shawnee Tribe, located near Wyandotte, Oklahoma; and the Shawnee Tribe, located in Miami, Oklahoma. In pre-colonial times they were a semi-migratory nation, primarily inhabiting areas of the Ohio Valley. Some believe they are the descendants of the Fort Ancient People but this is disputed by others. The Shawnee language belongs to the Algonquian language family, along with other Ohio tribes such as the Lenape, Miami, and Ojibwe. When European settlers came to the Ohio Country in the mid-1600s, the Shawnee way of life was disrupted by encroaching colonization and they were forced to leave their lands in search of unoccupied territory. Shawnee warriors sent out raiding parties, hoping to drive settlers off their land and militias responded, often destroying crops and villages. In the 1830s the Shawnee were forced to move from the Ohio River Valley to “Indian Territory” which is now known as Oklahoma. They still live there to this day.

If you would like to learn more about the Shawnee Removal check out this interactive case study from Native Knowledge 360 at the Smithsonian Institute.

Land Acknowledgement: An Excerpt from the UNC Allyship+ Toolkit

The following is an excerpt from the UNC Allyship+ Toolkit which will be released later this month. We feel that this information is timely for a weekend during which it is typical to celebrate the colonization of Turtle Island.

Land Acknowledgement

The Urban Native Collective resides on the unceded ancestral lands of the Osage, Miami, and Shawnee people which were stolen through forced removal. We also recognize the ancestors of these Peoples, who are referred to by archaeologists as the Hopewell and Adena people and have stewarded this land since time immemorial. 

What is a Land Acknowledgement? Why should you do it?

A land acknowledgement is a statement recognizing the original inhabitants of the land on which you live, work, and play. They can be spoken at the opening of events, put on a permanent marker, or put in the bio of your social media profile. Despite the typical narrative that the Americas were “discovered”, we know that Indigenous People have been here since long before Columbus or the concept of “The United States of America” and still are here today.

A land acknowledgement should be worded in the past, present, and future tense and should not be sugar coated. It should use words such as stolen, forced, settler colonialism, genocide, and ethnic cleansing. That said, land acknowledgements should also celebrate the Indigenous communities that are living and thriving today. This process is a good step in recognizing the complex relationship of history, settler colonialism, and yourself but it should not end there. A land acknowledgement without concrete steps to support your local Indigenous community is performative and does nothing to tear down the oppressive structures under which your Indigenous neighbors and community members exist. Therefore your land acknowledgement should include concrete steps to support your local Indigenous community members.

If you are only acknowledging the original inhabitants of the land on which you reside in words, then you are merely providing lip service. Without building real relationships with your Indigenous community members and working to support them in their struggles you are simply standing at the starting line. In order to join in the journey of Indigenous Sovereignty you have to take steps forward. 

When you are crafting your land acknowledgement it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all format. In the Greater Cincinnati region the original inhabitants were forcibly removed, mostly to Oklahoma where they continue to reside today as living, intact cultures and peoples. In some regions the Original Peoples’ descendants still reside there. Where my parents live in so-called Lexington, SC the original inhabitants are the Congaree people. The Congaree were largely wiped out by settlers, however some of their descendants have survived by marrying into the Catawba people who resided nearby. Every region of Turtle Island has a different story of settler colonialism, genocide, and ethnic cleansing. A land acknowledgement should provide education on the history of your region even if it is disruptive and uncomfortable.

If you are unsure of whose land you are on, this website is a great starting place.

An intro to Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women

This was written by one of our members to share as part of the DEI efforts at their workplace. We feel that this is a good introduction to this topic.

When I was 14 my father worked on an oil rig outside of Riverton, Wyoming. He would hear stories from the men he lived with in the man camp, warnings from other white men to not be caught on the reservation after dark. They told him that they had been chased off by Native men and had the bullet holes in their tailgates to prove it. It wasn’t until about fifteen years later when I was working with the Greater Cincinnati Native American Coalition that I came into the knowledge that enabled me to contextualize these stories.

The US Department of Justice estimates that 4 out of 5 Native American Women are affected by violence today, and on some reservations native women are ten times more likely to experience violence than their white counterparts. The legacy of violence against first nations women and children dates back to the early 1600s when Matoaka, a young girl of 11 or 12, was kidnapped from her tribe and taken to England. You may know her as Pocahontas, but she is commonly considered the first MMIW. As of 2018, there is still no database system in the United States that tracks how many Indigenous women have been abducted, sexually assaulted, and/or murdered. Families are frequently left wondering about their missing loved ones for years or decades, often without acknowledgement from law enforcement or national data reporting. To further complicate the issue, the data that is reported commonly labels Indigenous women as Latinx, Caucasian, or unknown. There is no real way to know how widespread this epidemic actually is.

Violence against Native women is perpetrated by individuals – abusers, rapists, and traffickers – yet the federal colonial policies and laws allow it to continue with no recourse.  Within the context of the United States government, Native American tribes are considered political groups. They are their own sovereign nations and for the most part they are allowed to police their members/citizens as they see fit. They have degrees of limited authority over non-natives and Native Americans who are not members of their tribe. They do not have the criminal jurisdiction to prosecute non-natives, which then falls to the Federal government under the Major Crimes Act (1885) and the General Crimes Act (1817).

The General Crimes Act allows “federal courts have jurisdiction over crimes by non-Indians against Indians and of non-major crimes by Indians against non-Indians through the application of federal law” and the Major Crimes Act establishes federal jurisdiction in the prosecution of certain serious crimes in Indian Country. These crimes include murder and kidnapping among others. The problem with this is that it forces jurisdiction to be shared between federal, state, and tribal authorities which requires extensive communication amongst law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices, court systems, probation/parole officers, and victim service providers. This causes many of these cases to fall through the cracks and the perpetrators to receive little, if any consequences so the families of these victims to never receive closure or justice for their loved ones.

In light of this information the peppered tailgates my dad had talked about began to make sense. If your grandmothers, aunties, mothers, sisters, and daughters were disappearing daily and your government had repeatedly failed you in protecting them, wouldn’t you defend your community from this genocide? Within many of the 574 federally recognized tribes the belief is held that women are sacred, they bring life in to this world and are the first teachers, political leaders, and carriers of culture and traditions of their communities. In some teachings it is believed that water is the first medicine we receive and we are born out of water. The sacredness of women is tied to this, as they are carriers of this first medicine. In the world we live in today the death and trauma of Indigenous Women comes alongside the trauma experienced by our waterways as well. It is all connected. We are all connected.

I know this is a lot of very heavy information, and I thank you for taking the time to read this. If you feel able, please take a moment to watch Ta’Kaiya Blainey sing the Women’s Warrior Song, an honor song written for MMIW, and reflect on what you’ve learned. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeNJnItj5rs

Further Reading

• Definition of Settler Colonialism: https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780190221911/obo-9780190221911-0029.xml

• Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women: https://www.csvanw.org/mmiw

• #MMIW: A Primer on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/article/682401

• National Indigenous Women’s Cultural Resource Center: https://www.niwrc.org/resources/topic/jurisdiction

• Why Genocide Was Used in The MMIWG Report: https://globalnews.ca/news/5350772/genocide-canada-mmiwg/

• A poster explaining Jurisdiction in more detail. https://www.niwrc.org/sites/default/files/images/resource/mmiw_toolkit_poster_updated.pdf

• Women are Sacred: https://www.csvanw.org/women-are-sacred

Action Points

• Read! Educate yourself and your loved ones about this issue! Share what you have learned. Use the hashtags #mmir #mmiw #mmiwg and #mmiwg2s to connect with others that are talking about this issue.

• Get involved with and follow our local Native American Coalition: https://gcnativeamericancoalition.com/ their website contains events, educational toolkits, opportunities for consultation and special speakers, and much more!

• Follow Indigenous Women educating and advocating for MMIW. I really love the work of educator and consultant Corrine Rice-Grey Cloud ( https://www.corinnericeconsulting.com/ ), Indigenous People’s Movement ( https://indigenouspeoplesmovement.com/ ), and all of the organizations linked under further reading.