Honoring Indigenous Women's Voices at the Awakened Women's Convergence

Great Gathering here at the Awakened Women's Convergence (AWC) in Scottsdale, Arizona! More than 300 women gathered from around Mother Earth. The entire morning and good part of the afternoon of the first day was devoted to the voices of Indigenous Women from his young Hoop Dancer of the Tohono O'odham Nation "Stole the Show" at the Opening of the Awakened Women's Convergence (AWC), here in Scottdale, Arizona. I was kindly invited to participate and share. There are no conference fees for Indigenous Women!

Part of the funds from their fundraiser on the last day will be contributed to Wakpala's new playground, community park, and gardens. I am encouraging this kind of action in every Gathering I am invited to participate.

Powerful messages, but loving messages, about cultural appropriation, including no imitation of our sacred headdresses, that the use of the word AHO is a male word, and no singing of our songs, without the explicit permission of the rightful cultural owners of the song, accompanied by proper protocol. Sacred Songs only to be sung by the rightful First Nations owners. Looking forward to hearing the Keynote on Saturday by Beloved Sister Mona Polacca.

We did not know if the buying of any Indigenous Beadwork, Star Quilts, Drums, Jewelry, etc., should be banned, as well. What do you think? Some relatives told me they believe everything from Indigenous cultures should only be shared with other Indigenous Peoples.

From my perspective, this kind of respect, honor, consideration and time should be given our Indigenous Peoples in any Gathering where are Indigenous Peoples are invited to participate. We have so many Allies of our Human Family that want to support our Indigenous Nations and Peoples.

These Allies need to be thoroughly educated, in love, on how to culturally and spiritually conduct themselves and decolonized. For instance, the Indigenous women from this area gave a compelling and heart-moving presentation on Intergenerational Trauma and Decolonization. It looks like the next AWC may be held in Vancouver.