United States President Joe Biden proclaimed the country's first-ever Indigenous Peoples' Day that aims to boost support for Native Americans who have suffered throughout history. The announcement garnered the Democratic leader widespread support from tribal residents who have been campaigning for years.
For Native American activists crossing the nation with a totem pole, sacred lands are their Notre Dame Marco della Cava, USA TODAY
Wildfire hits tribal lands in Pacific Northwest
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Two dozen Native American activists in 10 cars towing one totem pole across the country.
While this protest caravan may seem small, its message to Congress is outsized: Give Indigenous peoples a say before granting access to land that tribes consider sacred. The opposing argument: public lands are for everyone and the nation’s energy needs can’t be ignored.
Nowhere is that debate more heated than at Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah, a striking archaeological and natural wonder that activists will reach Saturday.
Returning to My Roots for Restoration
About to land at the Portland International Airport, I could see the top of Mt. Hood peeking out from a pillow of billowy fog. My sister is a big fan of Mt. Hood and her annual birthday ritual is to travel there to celebrate her special day.
I traveled to Oregon recently to celebrate my sister and nephew’s birthdays. But my primary reason for going was to reconnect with this place, this land where I am rooted, and to re-energize, revitalize, and restore my spirit.
I’ve called Virginia home for more than 30 years, but my home state is Oregon. I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. Since moving to Virginia in 1988, I’ve made several trips to the West Coast to visit favorite haunts such as Multnomah Falls in the Columbia Gorge, the Portland Rose Gardens, Chinese Garden, and later, to Willamette National Cemetery, where my parents are buried.