A Message from First Nations
January 12, 2021
As the nation grapples with the causes and repercussions of the assault on the U.S. Capitol Building last week, First Nations remains steadfast on our path toward the strength and empowerment of Native communities and greater peace and healing for all of America.
Every day, we work to make life better for Indigenous peoples in ways that we believe will promote that much-needed healing and will ultimately make this country better as a whole. Today – even in the aftermath of last week’s violence – our focus is no different.
But calling and wishing for healing is not enough. We would be remiss if we did not speak out against and give our full-throated denouncement of the attack on the U.S. Capitol and the white supremacy that helped fuel these actions.
As Native peoples, we are too familiar with white mobs and white militia invading and desecrating our most sacred spaces. While we at times critique how the government has treated and continues to treat Indigenous peoples and our brethren among BIPOC communities, we have always worked to effect positive systems change through civil discourse, and never through violence in any way.
Today, and always, we join with the many others in condemning last week’s assault on the institutions and beliefs we hold dear. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our peers, we are inspired by their statements on this unprecedented insurrection, and we share their hope for healing for all.
We thank everyone for your continued support of First Nations and the Indigenous peoples we serve.