Winona LaDuke's blog

Winona LaDuke
April 30th, 2011

The recent controversy and revelation that President Obama is, indeed an American citizen, born in Hawaii, illustrates some of the racism which still permeates American politics. The fact that Donald Trump and a hearty collection of politicians could pursue such “silliness,” and distract from major political issues of relevance to Americans illustrates how much racism and privilege still exists in American politics. Indeed, considering that over half of Americans were not sure that the President of the US was actually born in this country (a requirement of the presidency) may indicate a couple of things. First, that if you say the lie enough Read more...

I met Hone Harawira 28 years ago in 1983, when he came to the International Indian Treaty Council at Phillip Deere’s in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. We became fast friends, largely because I was his most reliable ride - taking him on a road trip for a couple thousand miles through Indian Country. Since then, he’s been back a couple of times, most recently at a training session for Natives running for office, sponsored by the Wellstone Project and coordinated by Kalynn Free. In 2011, after decades and many children, grandchildren, battles and political campaigns between the two of us, he took me on a road trip through his Aotearoa. It was an honor and a pleasure. What follows is excerpts of our conversation. Read more...

I had a nice visit with Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls a week or so ago. I’ve asked for a reworking of her song lyrics “Nomads, Indians and Saints."

Here is our story: Globalization changes things.  Read more...

It’s the Chicago O’Hare Airport, and I’m looking at my Bwaan Okosomin, or, maybe we should just call it Lakota Squash. My friend Marty Curry grew it up on our family land in the Little Traverse band akiing of Northern Michigan. Why, you might ask, am I traveling with a foot high Lakota Squash plant? Read more...

It’s just over a month now since our home burned. How does one quantify the experience?  I find myself a bit confused, lacking a sense of direction at times. I get lost in small towns.  That I didn’t really expect, but I am hoping, that I will get over it soon - it’s as if I’ve lost my center. I have, in the meantime, asked a lot of people, very simple directions, as to be expected, we’ve created new friendships and relationships.  And, I have developed a deeper appreciation for refugee families. Read more...