Topics

Critiques towards conventional Nature Writing, Embodiment, and nature writing

Readings

“An Other Poem” by Lucille Clifton

“The First Body is the River” by Natalie Diaz

Writing Prompts

Reflect on different aspects of your identity, your family history, and ancestry and how they influence or shape the way you relate/or not relate to nature.

Think about one thing in your heritage that makes you relate to nature in a unique way. This can be a plant, an animal, a geographical location, the sky, or any other natural element. Write about how these unique ways shape who you are and how you relate to nature.

Assignments

Spend some time researching all or any of the following and report back next week:

What is the Indigenous history of the land I occupy?

Can I find any Indigenous place names for locations or landmarks in my area?

What are the names of some prominent Indigenous people who currently live in my community?

What Native nation is located closest to me?

How do I pronounce the nation’s name?

What projects is the nation working on?

Who are their elected leaders?

What are their goals for the future?

What Native-led organizations and nonprofits operate in my area?

Do any voluntary land tax programs already exist in my community?

Are there groups of non-Native folks currently convening in my area to hold each other accountable on taking action?

What is my city doing to support Indigenous communities?

Is my place of worship, club, gym, etc. doing anything to take action?

Are there Native-led demonstrations happening near me to protest Treaty Rights violations or projects threatening Native lands and lifeways?

Resource http://www.nativegov.org