A little down time is reminding me to have more intentional down time. During these moments it seems consciousness takes the various threads drifting around the brain, reorganizes things and floats previously unrecognized concepts to the surface. It’s especially exciting when the concepts and ideas reveal their value – unforeseen, begging for integration.
Many hours laying in bed – arm elevated to alleviate the pulsing sensations in my fingers. I found myself leaning toward Prime instead of YouTube where I spend a lot of my TV time these days. What will the recommendation algorithms serve up? The last few days have recommended a degree of paranormal suggestions and Native American themes. Let’s go with that.
Several weeks ago I reached out to the Siletz Tribe for demographic information that would supplement a request for technical assistance to the EPA/FEMA. The result was a conversation that sparked new threads in my mind. Each year our Lincoln County Gov. has a joint meeting with CTSI. On our end we’ve noted this meeting as hallmark of our great relationship. Yet, this is essentially it. Our coordinated effort to understand the aboriginal people of Oregon is… one meeting year – for one hour. Might we strive for something more?
A theme continues to emerge for me: I know very little about the indigenous culture of Lincoln County and Oregon. Interestingly, I probably know more than many others – still not nearly enough that is meaningful at the moment. I’ve let my mind wander intentionally and unintentionally this weekend. I’m not at all sure I would qualify “letting the Amazon recommendation engine” guide my inquiry into a subject as “intentional”.
I’ve searched Amazon, IG, YT, Google, etc. for: #oregonnative, #nativeamericanoregon, #oreognindigienous, #aboriginaloregon, etc. These searches have produced some new connections. Yet, surprisingly few. Not that the search engines of our major social media applications tell the whole story… But, they do tell a story.
I’m beginning to see the architecture of new inquiry and knowledge that might emerge. Insert thought bubble here: Native Digital Land, Oregon Native American Chamber, Bunky Echo-Hawk, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Native Appropriations… Just a few links here. I have work to do. The post-its are accumulating.
While watching the Mystery of the Chaco Canyon – I took a break and had a more revelations. This sophistication and intuition: “As you walk through any of these sites you are in the midst of a thought process that works simultaneously with the aesthetic, scientific, pragmatic, the mystical in planning the use of space.” And, we are struggling with Short Term Rentals! Might we leverage lunar and solar patterns?! No, really. What can we learn from our aboriginal history? It is concerning how much trouble I sense we are in, currently. Climate change, spiritual disassociation. One of my IG searches for #oregonnative was absolutely not aboriginal content. And, hey… I am drawn to #vanlife. But, jeez.
Also, discovered this weekend: Native Digital Land. “Native Land Digital creates spaces where non-Indigenous people can be invited and challenged to learn more about the lands they inhabit, the history of those lands, and how to actively be part of a better future going forward together.”
“Thus, while we make a strong effort to teach about colonialism and to bring forth Indigenous narratives, we also strive to integrate what is sometimes called an “Indigenous way of knowing” when it comes to the importance and sacredness of land in our daily lives. We hope to inspire people to gain a better understanding of themselves, their ancestors, and the world they live in, so that we can all move forward into a better future.”
I have a lot to assimilate. No doubt. I would like to see some intentional conversations that really tap the status. If we are going to find some harmony moving forward it might serve us greatly to understand how aboriginal technology is wisdom that has been lost. And where are/how are we really in a community relationship with our local tribe? More to come…