The Kohtr'elneyh Workbook: A Visioning Guide For Families

A visioning guide for families in this time of transition SUMMER 2020

produced and distributed by Native Movement in partnership with the AK Just Transition Collective

A visioning guide for families in this time of transition SUMMER 2020

produced and distributed by Native Movement in partnership with the AK Just Transition Collective

gratitudes These Principles have been adapted from the “Movement Generation Zine,” and inspired by Indigenous Environmental Network's Indigenous Principles of Just Transition. We used these both as a base of knowledge and guidance for our own Alaskan version and we thank Indigenous Environmental Network and Movement Generation for their leadership and the work they have done to share these resources with diverse communities.

We would like to thank the artists who contributed coloring pages:

Jessica Thornton, Siqiniq Maupin, Apay'uq Moore, Nabi Qureshi and Naaweiyaa Tagaban. created in partnership with the Just Transition Collective

Art by Naaweiyaa Tagaban

1

How to use this workbook: This workbook has been structured around principles necessary for a Just Transition. The artists involved designed coloring pages for you to enjoy, which are then followed by descriptions and prompts. These questions are designed to spark your own imagination! They are a visioning exercise to bring our dreams for the future into reality! Use the “Visioning” pages to draw the Alaska you want to create.

We would love to see your creations! If you're willing to share them with us, please send a scan or photo of your work to: info@justtransitionak.org If you're on social media you can also use #JustTransitionAlaska and tag @justtransition_ak

2

Land

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The lands, waters, and air are eternal.

For millennia they have nurtured the growing bodies of our plant and animal relatives, they have given us shelter and warmth, they have provided us with food and fresh waters.

The knowledge systems of Indigenous Peoples are based on thousands of years of relationship to their homelands — living, learning, and growing a deep connection to place.

Every piece of Mother Earth you step on in Alaska has been known, loved and named by Indigenous Peoples.

Acknowledging Indigenous Peoples as the original caretakers of these lands and waters is a first step in reconciling historical injustices, supporting current Indigenous Sovereignty, and uplifting Indigenous knowledge systems.

3

WHOSE ANCESTRAL HOMELANDS ARE YOU LIVING ON TODAY?

WHAT DOES A RESPECTFUL AND RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIP WITH LAND FEEL LIKE TO YOU?

WHAT CAN YOU GIVE BACK TO THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF THE LANDS YOU RESIDE ON? HOW CAN YOU TAKE CARE OF THESE LANDS?

WHAT HAS THE LAND TAUGHT YOU?

Art by Naaweiyaa Tagaban

4

W H A T

T H E

H A N D S

D O

the heart learns

5

Movement Generation Principle #1 Art by Jessica Thornton

W H A T

T H E

H A N D S

D O

the heart learns The lands and waters give us all the healing and sustenance we need. The ability to gather food from the lands and waters connects us to our homes— through the memory in our hands, the understanding in our hearts, and the breath that moves through all our spirits.

When we live from the land, we remember that we are all dependent on the health and generosity of Mother Earth. We’ve been given all of our medicines, now is the time for us to grow, heal, and build the world we are fighting for. We must teach our descendants to live our Ancestor’s instructions.

6

W H A T

T H E

H A N D S

D O

the heart learns What foods from the land nourish you?

What does a healthy food system look like?

What does it feel like to know your food was grown with love and will give you love when it helps you to grow?

What does it look like for us, as Alaskans, to live in good relationship with our bodies?

7

Visioning Page

8

IF IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO,

WE HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO DO IT

9

Movement Generation Principle #2 Art by Siqiniq Maupin

IF IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO,

WE HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO DO IT We

all

received

have

our

sacred

instructions the

time

—we

of

all

Creation

have

instinct reminds honor the

lands,

the

that

us

and

and

from

how

to

protect waters

animal

relatives.

The

intertwining relationship have

with

nurtures of

our the

we world cycle

Creation...

...and

when

danger,

it

it is

is

our

responsibility work

returned

harmony,

so

that

grandchildren’s

grandchildren know and

to

together

toward

our

in

the

will

bounty

preciousness

Mother

of

Earth.

Indigenous Sovereignty first

step

returning

to

and

a

in

healthy

relationship lands

is

with

waters.

10

Remember or

our

a

and

is

when

relatives

intervened.

What

time

Why

one

Equity

could

Justice

11

you

and

saw

that

suffering

your

that

(everyone your

How

were

was

shift

you

action

would

has

and

earth

you

important?

further

what

our

they

Justice need)

in

community?

contribute Equity

in

to

your

creating

more

community?

Visioning Page

12

IF WE ARE NOT PREPARED

TO GOVERN, WE ARE NOT PREPARED

TO WIN

13

Movement Generation Principle #3 Art by Apay'uq Moore

IF WE ARE NOT PREPARED

TO GOVERN, WE ARE NOT PREPARED

TO WIN

We need to grow and support leaders who are grounded in values that uphold and recognize, first and foremost that we, as humans, are not separate from or above the lands we inhabit. We must embody justice in the ways we lead and interact with one another and our Mother Earth.

Systems of governance must include youth, learning from their elders. Governance must be built as sacred space for all people to be their full-selves; where all genders and sexualities feel safe and valued. Governance must ensure that all people have adequate human rights and that all people's lives are protected above profits.

Everyone has a role; everyone is needed on the path to Liberation.

14

What makes me feel seen and included?

Where is a place that you feel free? Free to be your full self, free to make mistakes and learn, safe from harm.

Imagine your community has achieved Justice and Liberation (freedom), what does that look like?

15

Visioning Page

16

If

it

is

not

soulful

IT IS NOT STRATEGIC

17

Movement Generation Principle #4 Art by Nabi Qureshi

If

it

is

not

soulful

IT IS NOT STRATEGIC Our movements must be irresistible, rooted in the wisdom of our ancestors and accessible to all. The knowledge of healing resides in our relationship to land, song, story and, spirit. Ceremony, celebration, and art heal our wounds, nurture our spirits, and inspire us to action.

Joy itself is an act of resistance.

This is how we will reclaim our right to thrive.

18

What is sacred to me?

How should we act and behave in sacred places and sacred moments?

How can I create sacred moments in my day?

19

Visioning Page

20

I N D I G E N O U S

W I S D O M

shows us the path forward

21

Art by Apay'uq Moore

I N D I G E N O U S

W I S D O M

shows us the path forward

Our collective path towards decolonization and healing is guided by Indigenous voices and place-based knowledge. Our Ancestors all spent time introducing themselves to lands and grew deep relationships with them. When you are away from the lands your Ancestors recognize, then you become a guest in someone else’s home.

As such, it is important to learn Indigenous place names, honor local practices and customs, and advocate for the rights and needs of your hosts. We must all be invested in Indigenous rights, they are the gateway to just living for all humanity.

22

What am I doing to stand up for Indigenous rights?

What more can I be doing to further right relationships with the land and the Indigenous Peoples on whose lands I live on?

What does “Remembering Forward” mean to you?

23

Visioning Page

24

Mahsì' choo, Quyana, Chin'an, Gunalchéesh, Taikuu, Háw'aa, Toyackshin, Qagaliqux, Tsin'aen, Quyanaa, Enaa Baasee', Thank you!

If you're willing to share your creations with us, please send a scan or photo of your work to: info@justtransitionak.org If you're on social media you can also use #JustTransitionAlaska and tag @justtransition_ak and @native_mvmt Please feel free to send your feedback to info@justtransitionak.org You can find more resources to accompany this booklet, including strategy tools, digital guides, zines and more at: www.justtransitionak.org/resources