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About Us
The Society of Native Nations (SNN) is an organization founded by a small group of Native people in Texas with members in many states that are dedicated to advocating for our people and the earth by helping to protect and preserve our native culture, spirituality, teachings, medicine, and way of life. Each of our founding members has experience working with our people and other organizations that bring a unique set of values and perceptions to SNN. Exposure and witness to racism, appropriation, and exploitation of our way of life have compelled each of us to stand united against social and environmental injustice. Our teachings tell us that Creator tasked Native people to be the "keepers of the earth." We believe we are environmentally conscious through our DNA and because our lifeways and culture parallel the health of Mother Earth. Through ancestral memories, prayer, and determination, we strive to help bring a positive change to our people and Mother Earth.
Mission
Society of Native Nations(SNN)-is a Non-Profit 501(C)(3) organization and was founded to fulfill the express mission of helping to protect and preserve the way of life, culture, spirituality, teachings, and medicines of the Native indigenous people of North and South America. Through awareness and education of our culture and spirituality, we believe people can better understand and respect one another to create true unity. Together we can succeed in addressing the issues we face in our Native communities, such as cultural racism, appropriation, exploitation, education, environmental issues, wildlife conservation, and the many social injustice issues that Native American people face in this world. Our goal is to bridge the gap between Native communities and unite to address the problems we face by providing the programs, events, and actions to accomplish our mission.
Why
First and foremost, to help bring awareness that there ARE Natives in Texas. Texas has a brutal genocidal history. In 1838 Mirabeau Lamar decreed it illegal for any “Indians” to remain in Texas. Violence and torture of Native peoples reigned for years in the colonial missions now being celebrated as world heritage sites and significant tourist attractions contributing to gentrification and further displacement of our people. We are living a colonial legacy on these lands where 95 percent of the land in Texas is privately owned. Nine ranchers own 37 percent of the land – an area larger than all but eight states. It is time for us to reclaim our connection to the land.
Federally-recognized Tribes in Texas are not from Texas (Alabama-Coushatta, Kickapoo, and Tigua). While tribes originally from these lands and/or who have been here for generations are “Non-Federally Recognized” and receive no funding or assistance.
As Natives based out of Texas, this state faces the largest wealth disparity in the USA. This city is home to many displaced tribal Native peoples facing an urban environment. We have a unique challenge of harsh realities and distractions that make it challenging to stay connected to the elders and our way of life. We lack a space to come together as different tribes to build trust in moving together for common interests and goals.
We wish to build a path of unity amongst our tribes through continuing practices such as sacred local ceremonial gatherings to bring our communities closer together. We plan to help educate local social justice organizers on how to be conscious of Native ways and land treaties to bring more Native presence and respect in various spaces, so our efforts are genuinely Native-led. All the while, training young Native leaders to step into more significant leadership roles for the community.
Natives from different tribes are being called to come together to tackle various issues locally, including cultural appropriation, racism, and stereotypes. Some local examples include children being “forced to cut their hair” to attend public schools, addressing bullying, and educating public school educators about cultural competency to stop perpetuating stereotypes by enacting “Thanksgiving day activities” such as dressing children up as “Pilgrim and Indians”;
This organization aims to bring more resources to support the younger generations. Many natives in Texas do not “consider themselves native,” and in fact, are unaware of their lineage and connection to these lands. We wish to establish connections to elders and sacred sites and while guiding and encouraging them to piece together the history masked in schools of where and how our people lived and how to continue to live these ways.
Who We Are
Society of Native Nations members represents the following tribes, nations, and people: Tongva, Chumash, Borrado, Tewa, Mexica, Navajo, Purepecha, Seneca, Ohlone, Tobotolobal, Nakoda, Lakota, Cherokee, Chichimeca, Choctaw, Mohawk, Lenca, Pipil, Carrizo/Comecrudo, Assiniboine, Coahuiltecan, Kickapoo, A’aninin, Kumeyaay, and Apache, with more to be added as more relatives join us.
SNN Legal Team
Reed Law Firm
J. Eric Reed
Specializing in International Human Rights Law,
Native American Tribal Law & Economic Development
100 N. Central Expressway, Suite 805
Richardson, Texas 75080
Office: (214) 365-0318
website: http://jericreedlaw.com/
Silverman Law Group
Daphne Lynn Silverman
A criminal trial attorney with over 24 years of experience advocating
for individuals in state, federal, and military courts.
Former Regional Vice President
National Lawyers Guild
501 North IH 35
Austin, Texas 78702
Office: 512-975-5880
Website: http://thesilvermanlawgroup.com
Dana Weis, Attorney at Law
Representing people who have been accused of crimes or other wrongdoings.
Defendig the rights of activists at the front lines.
505 West 12th Street, Suite 204
Austin, TX 78701
office: 512.326.9199
Website: http://danaweis.com