Honoring knowledge

When you obtain knowledge, you have a responsibility to share that knowledge in ways that make the world a better place. That is how I was raised.

My graduate degree is in Tribal Governance. I have a Masters of Public Administration. What I learned in that program has helped me see life through a phenomenally beautiful lens. Getting accepted into the program was quite the process, and I know that there were people who were as qualified as myself who didn’t make it into the program at that time. The knowledge I gained in the program is a powerful, very specific type of knowledge, and I had hoped to have found my way to a position where my knowledge was my work, my job. That path hasn’t revealed itself yet, but I take this responsibility seriously.

I do volunteer my time where I can be of some assistance and I try to be that voice of knowledge in my personal life, when opportunities arise. That was the main purpose of this blog.

It occurred to me recently, however, that there are so many amazing people who are doing powerful work and my voice is but a wee one. The other day, someone put a meme on that f-book tool that said “Tag an Indigenous Woman Who Inspires You” and I thought to myself, ‘geez….that would be about half my f-book friends!’. Out of that, an idea has grown that I hope will allow me to put my knowledge to work and at the same time shine light on those amazing people who are already doing the work.

I had previously planned to do this on this blog, but with specific topics and interesting books that were important to read. Kind of like a book report or an op-ed That plan never really got off the ground, and time’s still ticking away.

I think part of the reason that never launched is because I actually have still not fully recovered from all the reading I had to do in grad school (believe it or not). One would think I would be tired of writing as well, except writing is just something I do. It’s like breathing.

So, I will tell you the stories of the people I am blessed to know (even if only casually) and adore, who are working in Indian country to keep hope, traditions, cultures and people alive and well. I will not let this gift of the seed of knowledge I have been given lie on fallow soil and rot.