by Maison Allen What if Europeans never settled in North America? Would the land in this country have remained unharmed? Would the environment be in better condition than it is today? Unlike colonists, the Native people did not treat the Earth as a consumable good. While there is no way to answer these questions, taking a look at the way Indigenous people lived … [Read more...] about Decolonizing America for a Sustainable Future
settler colonialism
Acknowledging the original inhabitants of this area
We are located in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, a small part of what was Lenni-Lenape territory for over 10,000 years. We understand that the Lenape were friendly and accommodating — until the settlers gradually, and often violently, forced them out. We acknowledge the injustice and mistreatment indigenous people faced (and still face) as a result of colonialism. We recognize … [Read more...] about Acknowledging the original inhabitants of this area
Colonialism
The U.S. was built through settler colonialism, which involves taking over lands already in use by other people, displacing the people and often destroying their cultures. (Sometimes the goal was simply to use the land for their own settlements; in other cases the goal was to extract minerals & other resources. In the U.S. & Canada, settlers not only made war on the … [Read more...] about Colonialism
Peter’s blog: ‘Thanksgiving’
At its best, Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday—a chance to reflect and appreciate life. Unfortunately, it is often dedicated to watching football, arguing politics, and consuming vast quantities of food—and, in the process, celebrating the myth of the 'first thanksgiving'. Try to find time to read these articles — it’s important to be aware as we make the everyday choices … [Read more...] about Peter’s blog: ‘Thanksgiving’