International Migrants Day recognizes and celebrates the rights of migrants around the world. In discussing migration, we recommend leading with the values of economic opportunity and community.
Tag: indigenous rights
International Human Rights Day
Today is International Human Rights Day, which honors the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 2020, FineActs and hope-based comms partnered to create a collection of open source and evergreen artistic content that positively reframes human rights. This is an unbranded, open-source bank of content for the human rights movement. When discussing this hook, we recommend leading with the values of equity, safety, and economic opportunity.
Native American activists landed on and occupied Alcatraz Island
On Nov. 20, 1969, Native American activists landed on and occupied Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay. They called themselves “Indians of All Tribes” and issued a proclamation, “We Hold the Rock.” The protest lasted for 19 months until the protest was forcibly ended by the U.S. government. Cite this anniversary as part of Native American History Month by using the values of voice and equity.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
The United Nations has designated today as International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. Use this hook to amplify the voices and issues facing Native American communities by citing the values of Economic Security, Equality, and Voice.
Independence Day
As the birthday of the United States of America, Independence Day is yet another opportunity to raise the values we believe our nation should embody for everyone: opportunity, voice, equity, community, and safety. Also remind audiences about the importance of land acknowledgment and the ongoing work to repair the harms of colonization on Indigenous peoples.
Reagan’s Berlin Wall Speech
On this day in 1987, President Ronald Reagan gave his famous “Tear Down this Wall” speech in Berlin. Although Reagan was addressing the Communist bloc, it’s worth noting that this Republican president publicly challenged the idea of using walls to separate or isolate people, stating, “The wall cannot withstand freedom.” Use this anniversary to talk about the needs of U.S.-Mexico border communities and how wall rhetoric and militarization threatens safety and freedom for the millions who call the region home or arrive seeking protection. Cite the values of opportunity, safety, and community.
Arrest of Queen Lili`uokalani
On this day in 1893, U.S. Marines overthrew the independent indigenous kingdom of Hawai`i and subsequently arrested Queen Lili`uokalani. American business leaders and the children of missionaries wanted the islands to be annexed by the United States. Pres. William McKinley authorized the annexation five years later. It’s important to discuss this anniversary as part of the United States’ larger history of violating Indigenous peoples’ rights. Cite the values of Voice, Economic Security, and Community.
American Indian Movement at Wounded Knee
On Feb. 27, 1973, members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) began their occupation of Wounded Knee, the site of the 1890 massacre in South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation. The occupation lasted 71 days and called attention to living conditions and mistreatment from federal and local agencies. Use this anniversary to talk about the values of opportunity and voice for Native American communities.
State of Indian Nations
Each year, the president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) presents the State of Indian Nations around the same time as the U.S. president’s State of the Union. To facilitate direct engagement, a member of Congress is also invited each year to deliver a congressional response.
Super Bowl
Today is Super Bowl Sunday in Glendale, AZ. While the big game is best known for entertaining commercials and snack spreads, the media event surrounding it has also created opportunities for cultural strategies, from Beyoncé’s iconic halftime show to activism for NFL teams to drop offensive and disparaging Native American mascots. Cite the values of voice and equity.
