As an individual who cherishes the richness found in human interaction, I’ve always had a fondness for meeting new faces and engaging in enlightening conversations. This might come as a surprise considering my introverted nature; it’s often a daunting task to step out of my comfort zone. Yet, my role as a theologian, particularly as a Native woman theologian, has been a catalyst for such interactions.

My unique position prompts a myriad of questions and ushers me into a diverse range of experiences. It’s disheartening, however, to encounter the frequent surfacing of bias and ignorance during these dialogues. Nevertheless, I’ve learned to transform these instances into teaching moments, using them as stepping stones to bridge the gap of misunderstanding and prejudice.

Despite my resilience, there are times when the weight of insensitive remarks, whether intentional or not, leave me feeling wounded and disheartened. A recent encounter stands out, where I was subjected to a distressing act of racism and ignorance. But amid this darkness, rays of hope shone through.

In this challenging situation, my friend Angela !Khabeb exhibited incredible discernment, understanding when assistance was needed. The staff of the WELCA organization, especially Liz Hunter, responded swiftly in the moment and effectively to addressed the incident. Their empathy and uncompromising stand against prejudice were truly commendable.

Overwhelmed with gratitude for their decisive action and heartening support, I penned a response to share with the WELCA. This experience, while painful, served to remind me of the importance of allies in our continuous fight against ignorance and bigotry. Thank you to the WELCA Organization and staff for your proactive response and not pushing this aside or waiting until long after the event. You showed me respect, used your platform to give me a voice to share and teach, when most often, this would have been quietly dealt with. And a deep thank you to Vance Blackfox for your onstage support and Jennifer DeLeon for your support. Pilamaya

My WELCA Speech in Response:

I am Mato Waste Winyan, a proud Native American woman, a theologian, but most importantly, a survivor of prejudice, racism, and ignorance. Just this weekend, I experienced extreme ignorance and racism that knocked me back a bit. It wounded me profoundly. And then, I realized something after all of this. I stand before you today not as a victim, but as a testament to the power of resilience, self-love, and the indomitable spirit of women.

There was a time in my life when I was dismissed, demeaned, and degraded simply because of my heritage or even just because I was a woman. The pain that came from those experiences was immense, and for a time, I tried to suppress it, to hide it away. But let me tell you, silence is not the cure for the wounds we carry inside us. It is merely a bandage, a temporary solution that does nothing to heal the root cause of our suffering.

We, as BIPOC women, are often asked to ignore the discrimination that we face. We’re told to ‘get over it’, to ‘move on’, as if these experiences don’t leave lasting imprints on our souls. But I am here to tell you that your pain is valid, your experiences are real, and they matter.
Our bodies are vessels that hold both our joy and our pain. They cannot simply shrug off the hurt we’ve experienced. This is where somatic healing comes into play. It’s a process that acknowledges that our bodies remember trauma, and gives us tools to release that pain. It’s not about forgetting what happened, it’s about taking care of ourselves so that these experiences don’t consume us.

As a Native American woman, I have faced my share of stereotypes, bias, and hatred. I have been the target of ignorance and misinformation about my people. But every act of prejudice has only fueled my determination to educate others, to build bridges of understanding, and to empower myself and other women like me.

Education is our weapon against ignorance. Allyship is our shield against bias and racism. And self-empowerment is our path to liberation from the chains of discrimination. We must not only survive, but thrive, in a world that often tries to diminish us.

Remember, ladies, we are not defined by the pain we’ve experienced, but by how we rise above it. We are stronger than any act of prejudice, more powerful than any ignorant comment, and more resilient than any stereotype. Let’s use our experiences not as crutches, but as stepping stones to a brighter, more inclusive, and equitable future.

WELCA Litany I wrote for Assembly to Pray:

Leader: I am a voice for the voiceless…

Response: We are here to listen, to understand, to bear witness. We are united in our commitment to change.

Leader: In this space, we remove the armor of privilege, and expose our hearts to the harsh realities of racism…

Response: We open ourselves to uncomfortable truths, to difficult conversations. We are ready to learn, to grow.

Leader: Our skin color may differ, but our humanity is shared. We are more alike than we are unalike…

Response: We celebrate diversity, honor each other’s experiences, and learn from our shared stories.

Leader: Yes, you have been part of the problem. But today, you choose to be part of the solution…

Response: We pledge to use our privilege to challenge injustice, to amplify marginalized voices, to effect change.

Leader: Today, we release the burdens of guilt, shame, and complacency…

Response: We let go of our past mistakes, and embrace the opportunity for growth, change, and progress.

Leader: Today we acknowledge many of us carry pain within our bodies.  Pain that people cannot see. Take a moment to acknowledge that pain.  Call it out if you want to or just breathe out your silent prayer.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

Response: Together, we rise. Together, we build. Together, we heal.