Native Voices “We Are Still Here”

Native Voices “We Are Still Here” Native Voices “We Are Still Here”

The music world mourns the loss of Cris Derksen, an extraordinary Indigenous cellist and composer who died in a vehicle ...
06/25/2026

The music world mourns the loss of Cris Derksen, an extraordinary Indigenous cellist and composer who died in a vehicle collision in Alberta on Saturday. Hailing from Treaty 8 territory in northern Alberta, Derksen, of Cree heritage, was celebrated for her innovative work that combined classical music, Indigenous musical traditions, and contemporary electronic elements. A Juno-nominated artist, Derksen's contributions to Indigenous music were far-reaching, spanning orchestral performances, festivals, film, theatre, dance, and other contemporary venues. Her Carnegie Hall debut with Orchestre Métropolitain and conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin in 2024 was a testament to her talent. Derksen's 2015 project Orchestral Powwow remains a seminal work in contemporary Indigenous classical fusion. Our thoughts are with her wife and loved ones following this tragic loss. Rest in power, Cris Derksen, 1981–2026.

Some things cannot be forgotten by the soul...For Native American nations, buffalo are not just animals — they are sacre...
06/23/2026

Some things cannot be forgotten by the soul...
For Native American nations, buffalo are not just animals — they are sacred relatives. 🦬
When a buffalo walks again on ancestral land:
👴🏽 Elders weep
👦🏽 Children watch in wonder
🙏🏽 Ceremonies are reborn
❤️ Hearts remember what history tried to erase
You cannot put a price on seeing your sacred relative walk again on the land your ancestors loved.
This is not conservation.
This is not politics.
This is spiritual healing. This is coming home. 🏔️
The buffalo are returning —
And with them, something sacred returns too. 🪶✨
👇 Tag someone who needs to see this beauty

He had ONE choice… and millions still debate itMost people scroll past this…But don’t.For communities like the Lakota Pe...
06/18/2026

He had ONE choice… and millions still debate it
Most people scroll past this…
But don’t.
For communities like the Lakota People, one moment in history changed everything.
They were told…
👉 Stay peaceful
👉 Trust the situation
No one expected what came next.
Families stayed together.
No weapons ready.
No plan to fight.
Just hope.
Then suddenly…
Everything turned into chaos.
That moment later became known as the Wounded Knee Massacre.
And one decision still divides people today.
Because right before it happened…
There was a choice.
Trust…
or prepare.
Most people say “trust is right.”
But history didn’t reward that choice.
So here’s the real question:
If you knew something felt wrong…
would you still trust… or act early?
Don’t overthink.
👇 One word only:
🤝 "TRUST"
⚠️ "ACT"

That’s what one community member said today.For families from the Navajo Nation, this is not a headline…It’s daily life....
06/18/2026

That’s what one community member said today.
For families from the Navajo Nation, this is not a headline…
It’s daily life.
In several areas, access to clean water is still limited.
Not everywhere.
But enough to matter.
Some homes are still far from reliable water sources.
That means early mornings.
Long trips.
Heavy containers.
📍 Across parts of Arizona and New Mexico, efforts are ongoing to improve infrastructure.
Projects are being planned.
Support is growing.
Voices are being heard.
But progress takes time.
And for the families living this reality…
time is not just a number.
It’s daily effort.
Because water is not a luxury.
It’s basic.
It affects health.
It affects children.
It affects the future.
This is not just a local issue.
People across the country are starting to pay attention.
Because in today’s world…
something this basic should not be missing.
So here’s the question:
Should access to clean water be guaranteed
for every community today?
👇 One word only:
💧 "YES"
❌ "NO"

These types of places hold a depth that goes beyond the surface level. For many Indigenous communities, heritage sites r...
06/17/2026

These types of places hold a depth that goes beyond the surface level. For many Indigenous communities, heritage sites represent living, dynamic connections to their ancestors, cultural stories, sacred ceremonies, and fundamental identity. These are not simply notable sites or visually appealing locations; they embody memories, significance, and teachings passed down through generations. Ensuring the protection of these sites is vital for preserving the land and the associated knowledge and cultural continuity. Without this protection, irreplaceable pieces of history and the understanding of centuries-old relationships between people and the land can be irretrievably lost. Recognizing the significance of these places requires acknowledging their importance beyond leisure activities or commercial development. This discussion is part of a broader communal responsibility, encouraging reflection on how history, culture, and the voices associated with these lands are valued, and inviting contemplation on the meaning of protection and the ongoing relevance of these places for generations to come.

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