[Newsletter] October 2023
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
Message from the CEO
Dear Relatives,
I am delighted to connect with you today and share how we are amplifying Indigenous journeys of healing and reclamation through storytelling.
At Red Star, we firmly believe in the power of Indigenous Peoples to lead systems change within their own communities. It’s inspiring to witness the positive impact that uniting communities in a synchronized effort has on advancing our shared aspirations and goals.
I look forward to continuing this remarkable journey with Indigenous communities around the world. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for all.
Thank you for being here with us.
In community,
Aleena M. Kawe (Yoeme)
In the Shadow of the Sacred Mountain 2023
A powerful story of two peoples who share one dream to protect their mountains, rivers and traditional lifeways – for all of us.
Earlier this year, Red Star facilitated an Indigenous knowledge exchange reuniting Tribal leaders of the Fort Mojave Indian with a Māori delegation led by Te Pou Tupua (the human face and voice) of the Whanganui River in New Zealand. After a three year hiatus due to the pandemic, the delegation visited Avi Kwa Ame (Spirit Mountain), the Mojave’s place of origin, recently recognized as a national monument.
Video Credit: Indigenous Community Collaborative (https://www.indigenouscc.org/)
Support provided by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Matangirua: Breathing Life into Our Sailing Heritage
After nearly 2 decades in storage, Kamakani is given new life
and returned to the water
This project that aspires to revive the traditional practice of matangirua (dual powered sailing and paddling) across Aotearoa (New Zealand). Together, with our affiliate led by Frank Kawe of Rehua Innovations, we partnered with two canoe clubs to repurpose two of their underutilized waka ama (outrigger canoes) into waka tere (sailing outriggers). Our goal is to provide a pathway from paddling to sailing, while promoting traditional knowledge connecting canoe practices with the natural environment.
Kamakani was the first canoe to be converted. After nearly 2 decades in long-term storage, Kamakani returned to the water. Kamakani (meaning “the wind”) is a 6-man Hawaiian class racer canoe belonging to Te Toki Voyaging Trust (https://www.tetoki.org/). The canoe has been given new life and was rededicated at Te Toki’s Matariki Celebration and Whānau (family) day at Umupuia Marae.
Video Credit: Te Irimana Peautolu (Istagram: @teirimana.p)
Support provided by a grant from the New Zealand Ministry of Culture and Heritage.
Mark Your Calendar!
This year’s gathering will be held on the traditional homelands of Isleta Pueblo. We acknowledge the sacred waters and lands throughout the Rio Grande River Basin an all Indigenous Peoples with ancestral ties to the basin on both sides of the U.S. and Mexico border.
Upcoming Events 2023
(U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Australia)
Indigenous wellness, community health, conferences, events, and webinars
- Oct 30-31, 2023: The Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association – Indigenous Wellbeing Conference.
- Nov 27-29, 2023: Indigenous Allied Health Australia – 2023 National Conference. Sunshine Coast, Australia.
- April 11-12, 2024: U.S. Data Sovereignty Network – U.S. Indigenous Data Sovereignty & Governance Summit (Tucson, Arizona)
- May 23-25, 2024: University of Manitoba – Indigenous Health Conference (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Indigenous environment, water, land, justice, conferences, events and webinars
- Nov. 8-9, 2023: Tribal Climate Health Project – 2023 Tribal Climate and Health Adaptation Summit (Pala, CA USA) – Travel Stipends Available
- November 13-17: Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, Māori Centre of Research Excellence, University of Aukcland. International Indigenous Climate Change Research Summit. (Virtual)
- Nov. 14-15, 2023: Compass – Ethical Space: Indigenous Engagement for Environmental Science Professionals (Virtual – Nov 14th 10AM – Nov 15th 1PM PST)
- Nov 16, 2023: Indigenous Climate Action – The Colonial Urge to Commodify the Climate Crisis: Uplifting Real Solutions. (Virtual – 3-4pm Alberta, CA (GMT))
Have an event or announcement to share? Contact us!
Advancing Wellness
It’s at the heart of everything we do.
Make a Donation.
Growing community is like growing corn – it requires nurturing, cultivation, and abundant sharing for all to benefit. A gift to Red Star International helps us strengthen programs, develop resources and grow our global Indigenous collaborative for healthy and vibrant communities.
While grants and contracts fund specific projects, it’s generous donors like you that play a vital role in making this work happen!