Honoring Indigenuity in October Weather for Currently
Climate & Weather Forecast Poetry for Washington, DC
“Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.”― Robin Wall Kimmerer, from her series of essays I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Hello, I’m writing weather reports for Currently’s Washington, DC newsletter. Over a week full of Indigenous-led protests marches, rallies, and direct actions across Washington, DC — called, The People vs Fossil Fuels— with more than 500 courageous activists arrested demanding the white house accelerate the end of the fossil fuel era, it’s best to decenter my voice and honor folks at the frontlines. So you get prose-ish weather still, a couple updates on the actions, and best yet — you get gifts from a couple of my favorite Indigenous poets: Joy Harjo, Tommy Pico, Craig Santos Perez, and Natalie Diaz. And here’s more about Currently—
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Honoring Indigenous Resistance in October
Tuesday, October 12th, 2021
Tuesday, it’s going down: Down from mostly to just partly cloudy, parting-way for some sun rays to step down through the cloudy gates. Giving grace.
Pleasant temps, which continue to feel like Summer all week, higher than the average DC October. Highlighting how rumors of Summer’s death were greatly exaggerated. And another reminder: Fossil fuels are driving the climate crisis.
I hope you found your way to observe Indigenous People’s Day. I was reading some writing from Native American poets and wanted to share with you. Today, here’s a gift from US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, “An American Sunrise.”
Wednesday, October 13th, 2021
Wednesday’s giving warmth. A patchwork quilt of morning fog tugged together, pierced through with golden partly sunny rays, and stitched part-ways with afternoon clouds. The fabric of DC bunches in areas, but stays flexible. Threaded together with a calm wind.
Grab a corner, huddle up, and let’s get loud: climate chaos is happening now. Rise with the Indigenous resistance leading The People vs Fossil Fuels.
Here’s a favorite poem I think you’d enjoy, from Dr. Craig Santos Perez, an indigenous Chamoru (Chamorro) from the Pacific Island of Guåhan (Guam), writer, teacher, and eco-poet luminary: “Love in a Time of Climate Change”
Thursday, October 14th, 2021
Thursday’s looking bright. Sunshine glinting about and a light breeze should keep it drier early. With those Summerlike highs spreading between 70 - 80, the evening turns partly cloudy with a run-up of humidity. Hold onto the sunlight by checking out The People Vs Fossil Fuels Peace Poets Songs in this thread.
Over this year I’ve become a huge fan of poet, podcaster, and writer, Tommy Pico. He’s from the Viejas Indian reservation of the Kumeyaay Nation and writes on Hulu’s hit show Reservation Dogs. Here’s a segment from his brilliant series of poetry chapbooks I’d highly recommend reading through, this one from “Feed.”
Friday, October 15th, 2021
Friday’s a scorcher— for October. Another Autumn T-shirt day. Early patches of fog flow through before bringing abundant sunshine frolicking amid a few roaming clouds. Remember to hydrate, especially if you’re joining The People vs Fossil Fuels actions. And check out the photo roll from the week to fill your heart with renewable power.
Here’s another favorite Indigenous poet to get into— 2018 McArthur Genius Natalie Diaz. She is Mojave and an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Tribe. Read a selection from her 2021 Pulitzer winning collection at the bottom of this link: “Postcolonial Love Poem”
The need for climate justice solutions that center our relationship with the Earth are more vital than ever — and youth who are BIPOC are leading the movement that will bring us to these solutions. — Dany Sigwalt, Op-Ed “Growing BIPOC Youth-Led Climate Movement Is the Force Occupy Could Have Been” for Truthout
Indigenous Activists Helped Save Almost A Billion Tons Of Carbon Per Year, Conversation with Dallas Goldtooth of the Indigenous Environmental Network, and Kyle Gracey from Oil Change International from Science Friday
“We are asking you to stand with us. As representatives of communities who have carried the brunt of the harm from fossil fuels for generations, we ask you to join us in solidarity…If we all come together, put our bodies on the line in the name of climate justice, we may be able to change the course of history.” — Frontline Leader Invitation to The People vs. Fossil Fuels