Resources for Allies of Native Americans

Check this website to see which tribe’s land you live on! Research the correct pronunciation of the tribe name(s).

After discovering which tribe’s land you live on, find an organization or group ran by the same tribe and make a donation (consider making a reoccurring donation if you are able).

Now that you are more familiar with the tribe who’s land our ancestors colonized, learn more about that tribe, how they were forcibly removed, the genocide that occurred, and the history of their land. Find any treaties that relate to the land or the people.

Become familiar with the names (be sure you are pronouncing them correctly) of the people who should have legal claim to the land you live on. Donate directly to them, if possible.

Know that the descendants of those same indigenous tribes that were forcibly removed and murdered are still here. Enter every conversation with the knowledge that those indigenous people are all around us.

Know that colonialism is still happening everyday. Do what you can to know where, and do what you can to stop it. We must always protect indigenous people and their land.

No need to beat yourself up for our ancestors’ selfish mistakes. Moving forward, aim to give reparations whenever you can, knowing that you are still benefitting from the ethnic cleansing and displacement that occurred and is still occurring.

When possible, build real and authentic relationships with indigenous people. Be a friend and know that they are working through generational traumas that live in their bodies and will be passed down to their children.

Ask what you can do for Indigenous people (reparations don’t always have to be financial— give emotional reparations as well by listening to the thoughts and feelings of indigenous people).

Understand that your history books did not tell the truth. Make an effort to learn the real history of what happened when Christopher Columbus met the Native American people. DO NOT rely on Native people to educate you and your friends. That is your job as an ally.

Thanksgiving was not a celebratory dinner. The colonizers were trying to survive. When they became more equipped for survival, they committed genocide against the people that saved them.

Support grassroots change movements and organizations that are led by indigenous people. Here is a great place to start.

Buy books, choose TV shows and movies, and toys for your family that show people from different races, religions, countries and that teach real American history.

Read up on cultural appropriation in the wellness space. DO NOT buy sage from non-native people. Stop using words like “spirit animal” and “tribe” to describe your friends and groups. Call out cultural appropriation when you see it (be kind when you do this because it is likely they do not understand the harm they are committing).

Instead of calling someone your “spirit animal”, consider calling them your “inner avatar” or your “secret twin”.

When working to dismantle white supremacy of any kind, enter that space with caution. These oppressed peoples do not need you to come in and “fix things”. They have already begun the work, so take their lead. Instead of yelling into the crowd, give the microphone to someone from one of the oppressed cultures you are working with. It’s not about you.

Don’t just show up. Bring something of value to the table. Time, labor, money, resources, etc. all go a long way.

Seek permission before entering a space that was not meant for you. If the event is labeled for allies, that means you. If it is labeled for community, that is not you. Not sure? Just ask!

Write to your city or town government representative to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day like these cities did.

Ensure that your support does not come from your white savior complex.

Talk to the white people you know who aren’t clearly upset by white supremacy. They need to know you see a problem. Call them out, and call them in.