On this Indigenous Peoples Day, Seattle City Councilwoman Debora Juarez struck a solemn tone, reflecting that the "federal government non-recognition process and tribal government disenrollment process are two sides of the colonial blade that is still being wielded today."
She continued:
It cuts deep. It divides community. Its pain is immeasurable.... This colonial tool divides tribes, families, and communities. I don't know what we'll do. If we're going to continue, I don't know how we're going to heal ourselves from this....
Federal non-recognition process and tribal disenrollment are designed to erase our people, to deny them their birthright, to make them invisible, and to continue the violent history that we've endured since 1492.
These policies and practices have no purpose in the 21st Century....I hope our leaders are listening today and [will] reject this tool, this weapon, this colonial act, and will throw it in the historical bin of oppression...
Listen to her sobering yet inspiring words on the Seattle Channel at minute-second 18:30. #StopDisenrollment
