Indigenous Peoples Day
The Sunrise Ceremony at Alcatraz was absolutely breathtaking. Alcatraz has always been one of my favorite locations, perhaps because even on a tour of the prison it felt so sacred. This morning felt even more sacred. There was a heaviness in the air, and a weighted silence, but it felt full in a good way. I felt continually honored to be there. I remember asking a Muwekma staff member if I could join... I didn't want to take up a spot if my going would limit someone who is native and/or indigenous from attending. I was assured that I was welcome to go, and am so thankful I did. The journey there was early, but so much fun.
Once we were on top of the hill, speakers rang out from megaphones. The quote "everywhere you walk is stolen land" has stuck with me, and had made me question the validity of every place I enter since then. The man added, "Whether concrete or glass you got bones underneath that concrete." In the architecture major, we spend a lot of time discussing homes. I notice, though, that we never really zoom out to discuss WHOSE land we are on. I resolved to talk to my advisor about this and about incorporating these discussions into our curriculum. I haven't yet. But writing this post is reminding me. I will talk to him tomorrow.
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