Ta'c léehyn. (Good day)

Next month, beginning in two weeks, is Native American Heritage Month. As that is the case, the mod team has been working on some ideas that we hope to put into action beginning on November 1st.

Here are several initiatives I would like to propose to the rest of you for NaH Month:

• Hosting an AMA
• Launching weekly single/panel community discussions based on disputed topics for November --> Incorporating this into an FAQ
• Subreddit cosmetic changes

AMAs

The AMA schedule has been created. This is what we have so far (Updated as of 10/30/15):

1. (Nov. 4th, noon) Joey Montoya: Founder of Urban Native Era, indig. clothing company
2. (Nov. 7th, noon) Jack Malstrom: Indigenous Radio Host
3. (Nov. 11th, noon) Nataanii Means: Rapper, son of Russell Means
4. (Nov. 12th at 1pm CST) Greg Grey Cloud: Native American Activist
5. (Nov. 18th, noon) Ryan Red Corn: Satirist/Comedian of the 1491s
6. (Nov. 14th, noon) Mosiah Salazar Bluecloud: Kickapoo Language Instructor
7. (Nov. 25th, noon*?) Rashaun Nez: Dreamstarter grant winner, founder of Warrior Progressions Fitness
8. (Nov. 28th, noon) Layha Spoonhunter: LGBTQ/Two Spirit Activist

There are other people who've confirmed they can do it (like Ryan Redcorn and Greg Grey Cloud!) but have yet to pick a date. We will get back to you all with the second half of the month's schedule as soon as possible. We are working on getting everyone's personal descriptions right now. Sorry for the delay on this.

Community Discussions

This is the primary initiative that we are attempting to do. Beginning each Sunday in November, which there are five of, a new sticky post will be posted. This sticky will feature a controversial topic that relates to Native Americans. We are collaborating with /r/AskHistorians on this in where one or more of their specialists will help to form a point of discussion or argument that will make up the bulk of the post and they will promote the discussion on their subreddit by x-posting it.

The idea behind this centers on highlighting and emphasizing certain aspects of native culture and history. Part of this is to encourage subreddit discussion. Because opinions vary widely, we want to see what the demographics are regarding these topics. This will help everyone, mods included, to form accurate views and to advocate such views based on solid evidence and/or reasoning. What we hope to do with these discussions is that at the end of the month, we can compile an archive of answers and construct an FAQ to direct others, both native and non-native, towards so that they may get a reasonably defined answer.

These are the dates and topics (Updated as of 10/30/15):

Native Identity - This community discussion will cover areas such as:

• What is a "Native American"? (Indigenous person, American Indian, First Nations, etc...)
• Blood quantum and genealogy
• Government recognition
• Tribal membership and community recognition

Native Genocide - This community discussion will cover areas such as:

• Western attitudes toward Natives
• Deaths due to disease
• Intentional tragedies/massacres committed against Natives by settlers
• Doctrine of Discovery, Manifest Destiny, and Native extermination/assimilation policies
• Cultural genocide
• Continuation of genocide to present day

Native Civilization - This community discussion will cover areas such as:

• Pre-Columbian Native societies
• (Possibly) Post-Columbian Native societies
• Native agriculture
• Alternative practices (such as non-agricultural nations/tribes)
• Art, technologies, and political/social structures

Native Language Revitalization - This community discussion will cover areas such as:

• Value of Native languages
• Variety of Native languages
• Risks posed to Native languages today
• Efforts to revitalize languages (this could involve speaking with others about efforts being made by their specific tribe)

Native Arts - This community discussion will cover areas such as (these categories will more than likely change soon):

• Styles of Native artwork
• Laws and cultural protocols regarding Native art
• Native Art Institutions

Suggested Alternative Topics:

• Education and Future Outlooks
• Cultural Appropriation

These are subject to change, some of which already have been. What I need from you, the subscriber, is this: are these topics and discussions (or ones that you propose) something that you are willing to participate in? Much work is being put into executing these things and I would like to make sure that they will have as much participation as possible.

Subreddit Cosmetic Changes

Every now and then, we would like to switch up the subreddit style. Are there any changes you would like to propose regarding the style, organization, and/or design of the subreddit?

Since we like to involve you, a member of this community, we would greatly appreciate your questions, comments, and/or concerns on these initiatives. As stated, though, it is important for you to let us know what you think so that all the work being done will not be pointless. This post, in particular, is to get a rough idea of how many people will participate.

Qe'ci'yew'yew. (Thank you)