Highlights of 2020
2020 has been a wild ride, and has been a year that has changed us all, to say the least. It’s also the year that The Chapter House launched, something that had been in the making for a while. Eventually we will have a physical space where we Natives and our allies + accomplices can gather together, but until we can do that safely, we’re gathering online. This year, we brought you a mix of Indigenous-centered interviews, a panel, music, recipes, and art, and wanted to share some of our favorite highlights with you here. Take a look below, and make sure to keep up with more to come in 2021!
Indigeneity in the 21st Century
Our first live online event, with a turn out of almost 90 people! This panel, moderated by Sharen Kickingwoman, focused on what Indigenous identities look like in the 21st Century and explored issues like what it’s like to come from two “opposing” tribes, staying connected to our ancestral lands when they have been heavily urbanized, combating anti-Blackness in our communities, and honoring all of our many religious, ethnic, and racial identities. We were joined by artists, activists and students Mercedes Dorame, JaNae Collins, Denae Shanidiin, Sam Slater, and Kohar Avakian.
Artist Spotlight: Hashké / Reno Tsosie
We interviewed one of our favorite Native designers, Reno Tsosie, creator of Hashké. Listen to him talk about Hashké’s background and new line, his influences, what it’s like to be a Native artist and designer and how to be accessorize for a Zoom call. This is an ongoing series of interviews, so stay tuned for more interviews like this in 2021!
8 Global Actions You Should Know About
In December, we compiled a list of 8 ongoing global actions you should know about. During the pandemic, these fights do not stop, so we must support our relatives who are fighting for their communities across the world for their land, clean water, women’s rights, their cultures, and more.
Decolonize Your Diet
Before Thankstaking (or Thanksgiving), a holiday rooted deeply in colonialism, imperialism, and genocide, we compiled a list of our favorite Native chefs, recipes, and more. We also asked Shanna Yazzie and Isabella Robbins to create some traditional Diné dishes to help you decolonize your diet during the holidays.
Take Me Home to the Navajo Nation
A playlist compiled by Isabella Robbins, for all of us who are missing the Rez/home, featuring a mix of artists ranging from Stateline to Mariah Carey.
Thank you to everyone who has helped us build this online community so far. We’re looking forward to coming together in person as soon as we can. For now, we are looking forward to connecting online and bringing you more Indigenous programming in the new year!