Welcome to Turtle Island: How can we be allies to Indigenous Communities?

1. Start with Truth and Education (The Home Front)

The first step of allyship is to educate yourself and your family. It is not the responsibility of Indigenous people to teach you; it is your responsibility to seek the truth.

• Learn Whose Land You Are On: Use a resource like Native Land Digital to identify the ancestral and unceded lands where your home sits. In Northern Virginia, we are on the traditional lands of various groups, including the Patawomeck, the Manahoac, and the Piscataway.

• Research Local Nations: Go beyond a general land acknowledgment. Virginia has 11 recognized tribes. Specifically research the history, current events, and needs of the Rappahannock Tribe (a federally recognized tribe with active local programs) and other state-recognized tribes in the broader area.

• Talk to Your Children (Age-Appropriate): Have honest, age-appropriate conversations about colonization and its impact.

  • Acknowledge the Truth: Teach them that the history of this land involves displacement and trauma.

  • Avoid Stereotypes: Correct harmful language and stereotypes (e.g., avoid using terms like "Indian," "spirit animal," or misusing sacred regalia).

  • Use Indigenous-Created Media: Read books by Indigenous authors ("Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story" is a great one) or watch shows like "Molly of Denali" (created by Alaska Native writers) to learn from authentic voices.

2. Take Concrete Action (Shift Power & Resources)

Genuine allyship moves beyond symbolic gestures (like a land acknowledgment) to tangible actions that support Indigenous-led initiatives.

• Financial Support / Land Back: This is the most impactful way to support Indigenous sovereignty.

  • Support Land Back Initiatives: The Rappahannock Tribe has a priority goal to reacquire and protect ancestral lands along the Rappahannock River. You can donate directly to their Land Back efforts, which are fully tax-deductible as they are a 501(c)(3) organization.

  • Support Legal/Advocacy Work: Donate to national organizations like the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), which focuses on preserving tribal existence, protecting natural resources, and holding governments accountable.

• Support Native-Owned Businesses: Intentionally shift your purchasing power. Seek out and support Native-owned businesses for everything from everyday purchases to gifts. This contributes directly to economic sovereignty and helps keep cultural traditions alive.

• Follow Their Lead: If you want to volunteer, find a local Indigenous organization and literally ask them, "What do you need?" Do not go in with a pre-packaged plan or try to "save" them. Be prepared to offer your labor, resources, and skills only when and how they ask.

3. Use Your Voice and Privilege (Advocacy & Amplification)

As non-Indigenous people, we have a vital role to play in speaking to other non-Indigenous people about these issues.

• Amplify Indigenous Voices: Promote, don't champion. Share information from Indigenous leaders and organizations (like the Rappahannock Tribe) on social media and with your networks. Your role is to elevate their voices, not speak for them.

• Challenge Racism (At Home and Work): Commit to speaking up when friends, family, or colleagues make racist, dismissive, or harmful comments about Indigenous people or issues. Non-Indigenous ears often listen to non-Indigenous voices.

• Advocate for Rights: Support legislation that centers the needs of Indigenous communities, such as measures that protect voting rights, land use, and self-governance.

• Engage Year-Round: Allyship is not a one-time event on Indigenous Peoples' Day. Integrate learning and action into your family's life throughout the entire year.

This work requires humility, consistency, and a deep commitment to reflecting on your own motivations and how you can leverage your privilege to shift power dynamics.