Our obligation and right to acknowledge all parts of ourselves.
It’s Latin American history month, but here is how I view it. As a mixed woman of European and Native Bloodlines, I recognize the obligation to acknowledge my European roots.
However, for me I acknowledge my George and Hernandez bloodline by engaging in the activism work I do. By standing with Indigenous communities all across Turtle Island - my cousins of North and South America and my siblings of Central America. Supporting and being a part of initiatives that work to deliver autonomy, access to the privileges - such as clean water, learning of language and passing down traditional teachings, like others were allowed to.
Nadia George picture wading in Rabbit Lake while volunteering in her ambassador role with the Water First Indigenous schools water program.
By volunteering my time, talent and treasure to these initiatives I’m doing my best to make sure I don’t continue to do the harm my oppressor bloodline did. In addition I continue to learn and listen to my oppressed bloodline so I can better understand how the impacts of colonialism continues to harm Indigenous community.
Nadia George volunteering her time as an ambassador and advocate for with organizations that support environmental and mental health equity.
However, that also means I have every right to fully acknowledge my Indigeneity from my Molina and Palma bloodline. I am doing so by reconnecting to and reclaiming what my family couldn’t, due to the systemic threats, classification and forced amalgamation, massacres and ongoing discrimination of Indigenous people in El Salvador. I continue to listen and learn from my family's experiences - those who fled the country hoping for a better life and safety in the late 1970's, and family members who still live in El Salvador.
Family Photos (Scroll to view)
My reconnection journey is also about listening to others in these communities - as I learn about our Kuskatan traditions, history and language, along with my Indigenous lineage in Santa Ana, Metapan and Santa Maria Ostuma, I gain a new perspective on what it means to be from Central America and the importance of unity between all Indigenous nations from the head of the turtle to the tail and beyond.
A part of my reconnecting journey is about being proud of my Molina and Palma bloodline, to speak loudly with those who struggle to be heard, continue to use my lived experiences and any privileges to continue to advocate for my Indigenous bloodline and other Indigenous communities, and share what I learn. A big thanks to @huixtemi and @living.olmec for all you continue to teach me and support me in, and to my family who supports my journey and loves me all the more for it.
Happy Latin American Month … may you recognize yourself as you see fit and remember to acknowledge all pieces of you in a way that shows love to yourself and those you impact.