Native Organizers Alliance

"We feel this claim is just and proper, and that the land should rightfully be granted to us for as long as the rivers run and the sun shall shine. We hold the Rock!" - Richard Oakes (Mohawk) in 1969 Today marks the 55th anniversary of the Occupation of Alcatraz which lasted for 19 months and brought worldwide attention to treaty rights. The group, who called themselves the 'Indians of All Tribes' cited the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie which said that all retired, abandoned, or out-of-use federal land was to be returned to the Indigenous peoples who once occupied it. Inspired by the organizers of the Civil Rights Movement, the Alcatraz Occupation further influenced other movements during the time: both by Indigenous peoples and others who demanded their rights be honored.

Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to learn more about Native history: the events of the past and those who are making history today! Our communities have organized and strategized in defense of the land and our cultural ways since the first settlers arrived to Turtle Island. This Part 1 includes: - The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 - The Battle of Greasy Grass - The Native Hawaiian opposition to illegal U.S. annexation Stay tuned for Part 2!

Today is Rock Your Mocs Day! ??? We wear our moccasins to honor the generations past and future while reminding those around us that we exist today as modern peoples. ?DID YOU KNOW: Rock Your Mocs was founded in 2011 by Jessica Jaylyn Atsye (Laguna Pueblo) and beginning 2013, collaboratively, has been annually organized and produced by Native American event producer Melissa Sanchez (Acoma/Laguna Pueblos) as a way for us to stand united through our tribal individuality as well as honor our ancestors and Indigenous peoples worldwide during Native American Heritage Month. #RockYourMocs

The Pipestone National Monument in present-day Minnesota is the only place with sacred red pipestone. Medicine people and their Tribes continue the ancient practice of quarrying the stone by hand to carve pipes and continue to use the same area for ceremonies today that have been used since before treaties were signed by the US. That's why this past weekend, we put out a call asking for people to add their names to a petition that was sent to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission before the deadline for appeals closed on Tuesday. We were able to rally over 23,000 names in just 3 days. This is what democracy looks like! This isn't the first time we have united together in solidarity with the Tribes for whom these lands and waters are sacred. Please stay tuned as we will continue to post updates and call to actions as we fight against this pipeline.

Some thoughts post-election: As we have in the past, we will continue to come together to protect all that is sacred to us as Native peoples and sovereign Tribal Nations. Our top priorities include the protection of democratic structures, particularly Nation to Nation relationships between Tribal governments and the federal government. We will remain centered on advancing policies that uphold Tribal sovereignty, protect the right to vote, and address the climate crisis and need for environmental protections. We have each other, and we need each other for what’s ahead.

?? Elections do not solve problems, WE DO: through grassroots community organizing. Organizing is our medicine. As we have in the past, we will continue to come together to protect all that is sacred to us as Native peoples and sovereign Tribal Nations.

Did you know we have over 160 trained Natives Vote Organizing Fellows on the ground in 12 key states where the Native vote can swing elections? We partnered with grassroots organizations to empower communities all over Indian Country in a collective effort to mobilize the Native vote. And with today being Election Day, we want to bring extra attention to the hard work these fellows have put in over the last couple months! #NativesVote

Today is Election Day! ?? Don't forget to check in with your grandma, aunties, uncles, cousins, neighbors, coworkers, or whoever else might need a ride to the polls. When Native peoples show up to vote, Indian Country is heard. Stoodis! ???? art by Paige Pettibon

The Native Vote is a community movement that displays the political power we hold as a collective. When we all vote, we are setting the scene and conditions of the grassroots organizing and advocacy that will continue regardless. One final day until Election Day. Skoden! ???? #NativesVote

Over the last couple of months, we have had over 160 trained Natives Vote Organizing Fellows on the ground in 12 key states! Those who do not want Natives to have equal access to voting are working overtime to stop us. But we are motivated to protect our communities, cultural ways, and Mother Earth so that the next 7 generations can embrace who they are. Change doesn’t happen by accident or random coincidence. Instead, WE make it happen when we tap in our collective power! #NativesVote #NativesVote2024