Kumeyaay

The speaker reflects on the key terms of "nation," "colonization," and "decolonization." They explain that the term "nation" is important to them as a member of the Tolowa Dene Nation, as it brings a sense of identity and unity. They discuss the ongoing process of colonization, where one group has power over another, and how Native Americans are working to break free from this control. They also mention the concept of decolonization, which involves healing and undoing the damage done to Native Americans. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reclaiming language and culture to preserve their legacy and protect the environment. Key terms that stand out for me were, one, the word nation, the colonization and decolonization. First of all, nation, because as a member of the Tolowa Dene Nation, I found it hard to explain who I was. Indians, it sounds more appropriate to natives from India. If you say my tribe, it is like your pack, the people you hang out with. But nation brings it home. And yes, we are not as many as we were, but we have all come together as one, as a nation. Canadians call themselves the first people's nation. I really like that one. Colonization is an ongoing process of control by where one group has the power to determine all of what another group of people do and own. And that's what Native Americans are working to get away from. Decolonization is the undoing or a healing. And there is no undoing what has been done to Native Americans, but there can be a lot of healing. That healing comes from retrieving what language that we can and what culture that Native Americans can and how vital that is to carry on the legacy of everyone that is left, not only to the Native American group, but also to the environment. The environment needs stewards to guard and protect the land that we all live on.