Citing “over a century of failed and racist cannabis policies,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren and two other leading Democrats have joined a growing chorus of activists, celebrities and lawmakers calling on President Joe Biden to pardon people with federal marijuana convictions and set up a process for formally clearing their criminal records.
Warren joined fellow Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey and Sen. Jeffrey Merkley of Oregon in sending a letter to Biden last week requesting a “blanket pardon” for all nonviolent federal marijuana convictions. The lawmakers urged Biden to use his constitutional authority to pardon a “broad class” of people, which would fulfill “promises” made by Biden on the campaign trail and transform the lives of “tens of thousands of Americans,” including those who are currently in prison and formerly incarcerated people who may have difficulty accessing jobs and services due to their criminal record.
Reigniting the Spirit of Truth
and Healing
by Oletha Leo and Tamara Strohauer
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month at San Diego State University began with a week of special events culminating on November 5th, 2021 with a fire ceremony and the permanent raising of the Kumeyaay Nation’s flag on campus. November 5th was the 246th anniversary of the Kumeyaay Revolt, when in 1775 Kumeyaay people descended on the Mission de Alcala in Presidio Park and rescued their relatives held captive there. On this historical day, Kumeyaay people were humbly honored by SDSU and our collective community. Words words shared by Jacob Alvarado Waipuk, from the village of Ahmukatlatl (San Pasqual) from the Wapik Sha’mull,
At the SDSU Kumeyaay honoring event Native Truth and Healing California Genocide Conference held November 21-24, 2019. A Senate resolution was then passed for the flag to fly there in perpetuity. On November 22, 2019, a healing sacred fire was also lit at dawn. at SDSU to launch the Native Truth and Healing California Genocide Conference
Ivan Sam shared the meaning of the fireplace, and all were provided tobacco and cedar to put down healing prayers with that fire. Mr. Robert Wallace shared the meaning of the ashes, the meaning of the altar he placed before the fire, and his continued activism for sacred sites and Native peoples. “It means that once again our voice is being heard by the Ancestors and the People, on Sacred Land under the concrete and asphalt of SDSU, ‘the hills of the Kumeyaay,’ and the flag being risen, and words from the Elders being spoken at that moment in time, is a show of respect for all indiginous beings learning, growing and advancing into their life in a great way, within Kumeyaay Territory.”
Dr. Pico shared his heart with all in attendance, speaking of his people, of the Warrior Spirit within, and the sacred meaning of this ceremony”It was a privilege to raise the Kumeyaay flag to remember all of our people, men, women and children who gave their lives so we, today can carry on our traditions of ancient Kumeyaay values of empathy, compassion, kindness, generosity, sympathy, cooperation, goodwill, unity, and so much more.” Following Dr. Pico’s honoring, Kenneth G. White Jr. of Navajo Nation shared a poem he wrote for Kumeyaay relatives and likened the flag to a sacred eagle feather flying above this campus When asked about his experience of the ceremony he stated, “It was a humbling and powerful moment. Watching the beautiful Kumeyaay flag being raised represented hope and healing for the people; and sincere recognition of the Kumeyaay people, land, sovereignty, and connection to Mother Earth. This good faith recognition was great to see.”
Closing ceremonial gifts were given to each attendee containing cedar and sage donated by Oletha Leo and family of Viejas Band of Kumeyaay, village of Matarawa. Attendees signed an honoring chair for our beloved Joe Renteria, who passed at 104 years of age on October 24, 2021, and his spirit was included in the procession and flag raising.
This special evening offered healing, which may carry us through the next century of truth telling and teaching processes in this place we call San Diego State University, this place where Kumeyaay people have thrived for thousands of years, this place where the grandchildren of Kumeyaay ancestors can learn, grow and gather as their ancestors did. May we stand in honor of this spirit of healing for future generations, forever acknowledging the people who came before us on this sacred Kumeyaay Land!
By Kenneth G. White Jr.
You are standing on Kumeyaay land
With the sacred fire burning
You are a part of a heartfelt celebration
Of Creator’s spiritual validation of the land belonging to Kumeyaay Nation
The Kumeyaay flag is raised like an eagle soaring in the sky
The significance of this blessing is beyond our human expectations
We love our people from the beginning of creation
And love will always sustain the Kumeyaay Nation
The Warrior Spirit is present today
Like it has been present among us for thousands of years
The flag and the fire are the liberation
Of the Warrior Spirit’s grace and love for the Kumeyaay Nation
Call it what it is
Let the truth be told
It was an abomination and desecration
Of the ancestral burial grounds of the Kumeyaay Nation
A fake wall will never break the sacred circle of the people
They can try to build an imaginary line
From now until damnation
They will never ever divide the Kumeyaay Nation
Peacefully protesting silently in prayer
There’s a cop over there
Looking at me with distain and discrimination
It’s okay, long live the Kumeyaay Nation
Going to stand reverently in prayer
In the heat, in the rain
For the Indigenous honor and salvation
Of the great Kumeyaay Nation
You can put me out in the street
You can shackle my hands and my feet
You can vilify and judge my heartfelt demonstration
I will always stand up for the Kumeyaay Nation
My heart, mind, and soul
Are in a sacred personal Warrior Spirit place
Of motivation and restoration
To forever protect the land and spiritual foundation of the great Kumeyaay Nation
There is no turning back
I am here for the duration
I am representing our people, past, present and future generations
Showing my unconditional love for the Kumeyaay Nation
Creator is on our side
He is a kind and merciful Spirit
He is truly the essence and foundation
Of the great Kumeyaay Nation
Creator
Mother Earth, Father Sun, Warrior Spirit
You are the ones
Giving resilience and resurrection
To the great Kumeyaay Nation
