Tewa Women United
Tewa Homelands / Española, New Mexico
On Tuesday, November 5, citizens of the United States will elect a new President. This election cycle has carried a great deal of stress for nearly everyone, no matter what one’s political affiliation. When the results are in, we will all need to find a way to live together even if we passionately disagree with others.
Violence has no place in our web of Relationaltivity, and we encourage you to do everything you can to not inflame violent impulses in yourself or others. We commend groups like Common Defense, a progressive, grassroots organization of 40,000 veterans who have been training in de-escalation, monitoring, and capturing video for accountability during the election process.
As Indigenous women, we are the carriers of cultural, spiritual, ancestral, and physical lifeways, passed on through generations. This womb wisdom informs all our work, and from this place we understand that our communities are only as healthy as Nung Ochuu Quiyo, our Earth Mother, and as the most vulnerable amongst us. Our guiding value at Tewa Women United is to grow beloved families and communities that honor Nung Ochuu Quiyo, the source of all our lives. No matter which political party is in “power” at the end of this election, our commitment to this value remains steadfast.
We understand that true power resides in Nung Ochuu Quiyo, and in each of us. Certainly there are laws and policies that impact our lives and it is worth advocating fiercely for laws and policies that will protect the most vulnerable among us. In our Tewa language that person is Nava T’o i Yiya, the land-working mother who provides food for her family and community, who carries ancestral ways of knowing as well as our legacy of farming and pottery making. We believe that when Nava T’o i Yiya is protected, everyone will be protected.
No matter what happens on November 5th and its aftermath, we remain dedicated to promoting and protecting peace in the heart-centerness of All peoples. Kuunda woha/thank you for joining us in creating a Culture of Peace.
