Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
Dear Project 562 Friends,
Today marks the beginning of Native American Heritage Month, as well as the anniversary mark of my third year and over 120,000 on the road. I am honored to announce that for each day in the month of November, Project 562 will be sharing and celebrating some of the collected portrait narratives from the last two years on the road. This celebration of images and words places native stories in an intentional and positive space - one that affirms and honors our narratives and welcomes a re-visioning of our communities.
We would like to invite you to engage with these stories by subscribing to the Project 562 blog, or by following us on facebook and instagram; we hope that you will re-share these stories with your networks.
The reason I would like to share uplifting stories for the entire month of November is to stand in solidarity with those that are grieving and offer messages of hope.
I have been at a loss for words in the last few days, attempting to find a way to speak about some of the recent tragedy and loss that has struck Indian Country- some of you may have read and seen that my own Tulalip Tribal community has been very affected by the recent tragedy at Marysville Pilchuck High School. The news of such loss and pain reached me in the Midwest where I have been working, far from loved ones in Tulalip most immediately stricken. This tragedy has directly involved my extended family, my former students, and many people who I hold so dear; I have cried a river, I feel this so heavily in my body and heart. I would like to echo the message of our tribal leaders and families. The effects of this event have rippled into many lives of students, families and communities. It has been a very heavy experience for many people, especially to students and families of Marysville and Tulalip. Every morning as the sun rises, I pray for the embrace, protection, and guidance of the young people we have lost and who are fighting to return to health and life - let us find strength in our selves and communities. I know we come from a rich history of medicine and love. Let us turn to those things that make us powerful and resilient; let us embrace one another, and pray for those affected as we comfort and support the students and families, teachers and staff of Marysville Pilchuk and Tulalip.
The other day, I read a quote that I would like to share with you: “Those who believe that they are crazy enough to change the world, are the ones that actually do.” I do believe that by sharing positive stories, acknowledging the goodness in our communities, and taking time to humanize one another, we will gain a new sense of understanding and loving for one another. Let’s take the month of November to truly honor our living, striving, beautiful heroes from within Indian Country.
In face of this and all suffering and uncertainty, let us be one in love and purpose. Let us take time to recognize our strengths. To celebrate our ability endure. Let’s stand together.
Tigwicid,
Matika
Upcoming Project 562 Events
November 4, 2014 | 12 pm | San Diego, CA | Hard Rock Hotel
Keynote Presentation by Matika Wilbur
Travois Indian Country Affordable Housing & Economic Development Conference
November 5, 2014 | 4-5:30 pm | Bowling Green, OH | BGSU
Project 562 Road Stories
Bowen-Thompson Student Union Theatre, Room 206
November 6, 2014 | 7pm | Boston, MA | Boston College
Project 562 Road Stories
Vanderslice Cabaret Room
November 10-17, 2014: Visit Alabama Tribes
November 12, 2014 | 7pm | Mobile, AL | University of Southern Alabama
Changing The Way We See Native America
USA Student Center Ballroom
December: Visit New Mexico Tribes
Janruary 15-18, 2015 | All Day | Bishop, CA | Independent Project Press
Photography/Book Making Workshop
Independent Project Press
More info call: 805-698-8019
February 20, 2015 | TBD | Berkely, CA | UC Berkeley
Symposium
TBD
Project 562 is Seekng Interns
Project 562 has 3 specific internship opportunities available, and we would like you to be involved. Specifically, we are seeking qualified and talented individuals to assist with transcribing interviews, producing content and becoming a road intern (up to 3 weeks with Matika). Please click on the link below to fill out your full information if interested. We will contact interested individuals via email.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1neWhWhmKz_Sg0Od3pTtLLM7MkJzpOgYbdqVbt2Ez1RE/viewform
