The Beginning:
As a Bergen County, NJ resident, Indigenous individual and a nature lover, I discovered ongoing appropriation at a local creek conservancy which I believe needs to be addressed. This creek conservancy, Teaneck Creek Conservancy in Teaneck New Jersey is said to supposedly honor Native Land and the Lenape tribe/nation, the original people and inhabitants of the area, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
In recent years they’ve instilled numerous projects focused on sustainability and art, one of which, the pipe project has become the center of cultural appropriation. This project included restoring large pipes with previous artwork, much of which possessed appropriated artwork and depictions of the Lenape people and Lenape culture. They sought artists to assist in the restoration process of the pipes.
I initially thought restoring the pipes and the artwork was a great community effort, until I was made aware of the appropriation with my own two eyes. I was appalled to say the least. I took the proper steps to reach out to Teaneck Creek Conservancy, casually commenting on their social media posts seeking volunteers and artists to no avail, followed by a formal email. Initially, I inquired about Lenape representation, let alone Indigenous representation of artists, only to realize with my email there wasn’t any Lenape, or any form of Indigenous representation in regard to the entire conservancy. My email was met with none of my questions being answered and a lot of speaking in circles, as if that would squash the issue at hand.
Appropriation isn’t something I take lightly or at all for that matter of any culture and/or group of people. Teaneck Creek Conservancy consistently asked for donations for the pipe project and and continues to seek donations for their conservancy, yet when asked if they give back to the Lenape tribe/nation, their lack of response spoke volumes. The fact that they also have a yearly gala to raise funds as well and not allot any to the Lenape tribe/nation is quite bothersome.
It is not ok for organizations and companies, even if they are non-profits, to exploit and appropriate culture and people. It’s time we take a stand and allow our voices to be heard for real change to occur. This is merely the beginning of this movement, The Appropriation Project. I will continue to speak out of injustices, specifically with issues of appropriation. Please sign, share, and follow so we can make real changes and abolish the act of appropriation across all cultures and people.
Open Letter to All:
Thank you for taking the time to read thus far.
I am writing to you today to address a matter that requires our collective attention and action: the appropriation of Indigenous and Native American culture. As a member of this community, I believe it is crucial to bring awareness to this issue and to work towards fostering a more respectful and inclusive environment for all.
For too long, elements of Indigenous and Native American culture have been misunderstood, misrepresented, and exploited. From the misappropriation of sacred symbols and traditional practices to the commercialization of cultural artifacts, the appropriation of Indigenous and/or Native American culture perpetuates harmful stereotypes and erases the rich and diverse heritage of Indigenous peoples.
It is essential for us to recognize the significance of Indigenous cultures and to respect the rights, traditions, and sovereignty of Indigenous and Native American communities. This starts with educating ourselves and others about the true history, values, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
I urge our community to take meaningful action to address appropriation by:
Educating ourselves: Take the time to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of Indigenous and/or Native American communities. Seek out resources, books, and educational materials that provide accurate and respectful information.
Challenging stereotypes: Speak out against stereotypes and misconceptions about Indigenous and/or Native American culture. Foster conversations that promote understanding, empathy, and respect for Indigenous peoples.
Supporting Indigenous voices: Amplify the voices of Indigenous individuals and communities. Listen to their perspectives, stories, and concerns, and advocate for their rights and interests.
Respecting cultural boundaries: Avoid appropriating Indigenous and/or Native American symbols, practices, or artifacts without proper understanding, respect, and permission. Recognize the importance of sacred sites and lands to Indigenous peoples and advocate for their protection.
Promoting collaboration: Encourage collaboration and partnership with Indigenous communities on projects, events, and initiatives. Respectfully engage with them to co-create solutions and strategies for addressing appropriation and promoting cultural exchange in a mutually respectful manner.
Together, we can create a more inclusive and respectful community where the diversity of cultures is celebrated and honored. Let us commit to standing in solidarity with Indigenous and/or Native American communities and working towards a future where cultural appropriation is no longer tolerated.
Made On Native Land
Appropriation 411
What is appropriation?
Appropriation of Indigenous and/or Native American culture and heritage refers to the unauthorized or inappropriate use of cultural elements, teachings, or knowledge from Indigenous and/or Native American communities in all contexts without proper acknowledgment, consent, or understanding of their significance. This can include misrepresentation, distortion, or oversimplification of Indigenous and/or Native American history, culture, or spirituality, which can perpetuate stereotypes and harm Indigenous communities.
Appropriation of Indigenous and/or Native American arts and land, including nature involves the unauthorized or exploitative use of traditional artistic expressions, such as symbols, designs, or crafts, as well as the exploitation or misuse of land considered sacred or culturally significant by Indigenous and/or Native American communities. This can include the commercialization of sacred symbols or practices, the misappropriation of traditional knowledge, or the exploitation of natural resources on Indigenous and/or Native lands without proper consent or consideration of Indigenous and Native rights and perspectives.
How can you stop appropriation in your community?
Stopping appropriation in your community requires awareness, education, and action. Here are some steps you can take:
Education: Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of Indigenous peoples in your area. Understanding the significance of their cultural practices and symbols is essential to recognizing appropriation.
Respect: Respect Indigenous cultures and communities by acknowledging their sovereignty, rights, and perspectives. Treat their cultural artifacts, symbols, and sacred sites with reverence and sensitivity.
Support Indigenous Voices: Amplify Indigenous voices and support Indigenous-led initiatives, organizations, and businesses. Listen to their stories, experiences, and concerns, and advocate for their rights and interests.
Avoid Appropriation: Be mindful of your own actions and consumption. Avoid appropriating Indigenous symbols, practices, or artifacts without proper understanding, respect, and permission.
Engage in Dialogue: Foster open and respectful dialogue within your community about appropriation and its impact. Encourage discussions about cultural appropriation, colonization, and Indigenous rights to raise awareness and promote understanding.
Advocate for Change: Advocate for policies and practices that respect Indigenous rights, cultural heritage, and land sovereignty. Support efforts to address systemic inequalities and injustices faced by Indigenous communities.
Collaborate: Collaborate with Indigenous individuals and communities on projects, events, and initiatives. Respectfully engage with them to co-create solutions and strategies for addressing appropriation and promoting cultural exchange in a mutually respectful manner.
Please sign, share, and follow to help stop further acts of appropriation.
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