May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we recommend the following books for adults and children that center and honor the stories and histories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. In response to the continuing escalation in xenophobia and bigotry resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more necessary to lift up these stories and reckon with this nation’s anti-Asian racism. Here are some books to help you learn:
We Are Here: 30 Inspiring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Have Shaped the United States by Naomi Hirahara and illustrated by Illi Ferandez
Asian American is Not a Color: Conversations on Race, Affirmative Action, and Family by OiYan A. Poon
We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya
Made in Asian America: A History for Young People by Erika Lee and Christina Soontornvat
On Gold Hill: A Personal History of Wheat, Farming, and Family From Punjab to California by Jaclyn Moyer
The House Before Falling into the Sea by Ann Suk Wang and illustrated by Hanna Cha
And check out the trailer of Vivien Hao’s documentary “Invisible No More” which was partly filmed at East Shore. We’ll have the documentary premiere in September at East Shore.
Yes, we celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 5th. However, did you know that day is also the National Day of Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls? Also known as Red Dress Day, May 5th honors the thousands of indigenous women and girls missing or murdered in the US. We encourage you to learn more about the causes, issues and efforts to combat MMIWG and sex trafficking.
Grassroots advocates call on us to wear RED to make visible the indigenous women, girls and other people who have disappeared and been murdered in this country and Canada. The entire month of May is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness month to include in addition to women and girls, two-spirit and gender diverse people. We hope to see a surge of red at the Sunday morning service at East Shore on May 5th!
The Indigenous Connections Team* invites you to the Duwamish Longhouse (4705 W Marginal Way SW / Seattle) on April 20, 1pm, to hear about the work of the Wisdom Keepers, an international team of indigenous leaders and activists. This is an opportunity for adults and youth to learn more about an indigenous perspective on climate change and the urgency combined with optimism that guides indigenous efforts worldwide. Please join us!
The Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center opens at 10 on Saturdays – come early to explore exhibits and browse the shop!
Jacob Johns (Akimel O’Otham and Hopi) and Jeff Ferguson (Spokane) will share stories and media related to their work as part of the Wisdom Keepers Delegation at the 2023 United Nations Conference of the Parties in Dubai (UNCOP28).
The Wisdom Keepers are pushing for the inclusion of indigenous perspectives in global climate policy discussions. The delegation asks governments to prioritize the active participation of indigenous peoples while recognizing and respecting traditional knowledge and practices in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. The Wisdom Keepers promote holistic approaches that consider the well-being of workers, communities, and the environment.
During COP28 In Dubai, the Wisdom Keepers collaborated with peers in US Climate Action Network (USCAN), participated on panels, graced event openings, and brought spiritual depth to closings with their unique mix of song, dance, and prayer.
The Indigenous Connections Team is especially grateful to the Duwamish Tribe for their collaboration and for sharing the Longhouse with all of us.
This event is sponsored by JUUstice Washington (JUUstWA), a network of Unitarian Universalist congregations, organizations, and partners. Local churches are participating, including University UC, Northlake UUC, and Woodinville UUC.
* Submitted by the Indigenous Connections Team:
Kristi Weir
Lynn Roesch
Marilyn Mayers
Erika Jackson Kirkendall
Donna Johnson (Woodinville UUC)
Kari Ann Hailey (ESUC and Northlake UUC)
Maury Edwards
Carrie Bowman
There is an opportunity for you and one other to represent ESUC in the Bellevue Police Interfaith Advisory Council.
The Bellevue Police Department (BPD) has seven councils on which it seeks advice on ideas and concepts. We were represented by Reverend Elaine and Aisha Hauser in the 2016-2018 years. When they left, Dr. Louise Wilkinson and Maury Edwards represented the church from 2021-2023. Maury resigned for health reasons and Louise is out of the country for 9 months. Our seat on the council is currently vacant.
The responsibilities include monthly attendance by one of the two representatives from the church at council meetings or general meetings of all of the councils; and. providing feedback on topics presented. The BPD has a long history of supporting ESUC in our community.
If you are interested in this vital community work, contact Nicole Duff at [email protected].
Earth and Climate Action Ministry (ECAM) and the Indigenous Connections Team invite you to University Unitarian Church in Seattle and Northlake UU Church in Kirkland for a presentation and Q&A offered by Jacob Johns. Jacob is part of an international effort to organize and include Indigenous perspectives at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Chante (COP28) in Dubai in November and December this year.
Jacob (Akimel O’odham and Hopi tribes) and over 20 Indigenous activists from all over the world are working together to incorporate diverse perspectives and traditions into contemporary climate policy. The group states, “….we face obstacles in our journey towards a sustainable future. The Conference of Parties (COP) often excludes us, the Indigenous and front-line communities, from the official negotiations that set the course for global climate action. This exclusion creates a significant challenge: it hinders our ability to contribute meaningfully and create impactful actions to address climate change. Therefore, it is imperative that we work together to ensure that our perspectives are not only heard but also translated into actionable policies. By amplifying our voices and ensuring our active participation in COP, we can bring forth the wisdom and knowledge that arise from our deep connection to the land and nature. Together, we can shape a future that respects and integrates the diverse perspectives of all communities, forging a path towards a more sustainable and equitable world.”
Contact Carrie Bowman ([email protected]) if you would like to go and are interested in carpooling.
DATE/TIME: Sunday, October 15, 2pm WHERE: University Unitarian Church sanctuary / 6556 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115 FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
NEED MORE INFO? Contact Carrie Bowman at [email protected]
On the last day of August, East Shore was again honored to welcome the Lummi House of Tears Carvers. The occasion, the one stop they made in King County, marked the day they set out on their Leonard Peltier Totem Pole Journey to Washington DC where they were scheduled to arrive September 12th. There they pleaded for the release of Leonard Peltier, a long time American Indian Movement activist, who has been in federal prison since 1977.
East Shore members and the wider community warmly welcomed the Totem Pole crew–Jewell James, Freddie Lane, Doug (James) and Siamel’wit and Junior and youngsters, Junor and Ronnie. 14 foot totem pole, created by Master Carver Jewell James, conveys sacred images as well as symbols of federal violence against the Lakota at Wounded Knee in 1890 and again in the 1970s. The images vividly portray the continuing violence experienced by tribal communities to this day.
The indigenous Connections team gives thanks to all who shared in this ceremony: Amanda Alice Ulluhan for the opening prayer and for leading us in song and to Kari Ann Hailey and Arthur Knapp for the special songs they shared. To numerous East Shore members who helped with set-up, food prep and serving and clean-up. To all who took time to come and learn! To Pamela She-Monster who stepped in to regale the audience with native tales as we awaited the arrival of our Lummi friends. To Janice Zahn, Bellevue City Counselor, for coming and expressing her support for the Lummi on their journey and for events like these which help build inter-community relations.
The Indigenous Connections Team raises their hands to all who came and shared their time with our Lummi friends! And to all who couldn’t come, but were there in spirit!
