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Through Her Native Eyes

Perspectives from a reconnecting Lakȟóta wíŋyaŋ

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REPRESENTATION MATTERS! Did you know that by age 1, babies can already distinguish differences in skin color? And by age 3, they use racial observations to pick their play groups? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ As of 2018, 50% of children’s book depict only white characters and 27% depict animals. That leaves 23% for every other race and skin color. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Let’s breakdown that down. 10% African/ African American 7% Asian Pacific Islander 5% Latinx 1% Native American/ First Nations ‼️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When BIPOC children do not see themselves represented, they may face feelings of shame and guilt. Even when BIPOC characters exist, they are often written by a white person through a white lens (per @theconsciouskid). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This reinforces the idea to all children that white is the dominant race and that white peoples’ stories and experiences are more worthy. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ These books were gifted to us by Josh (@ndnslp) who is a Native SLP (speech language pathologist) and co-owner of Little Moccasins Education Services, LLC. They provide speech, language and literacy services to Native youth. If you’re looking for Native children’s books written by Native authors, check out his page! He has a bunch of great suggestions. Philámayaye Josh! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I encourage you all to take a look at your bookshelves and see if you need to diversify. Let’s do a better job at helping our kids see color.
4 things I’m going to do in 2020 (aka resolutions): ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1. Cloth diaper! I know I’ve gone back and forth on this a few times. But it feels like some of the fog I have been experiencing has lifted, so I feel capable. Plus, my amazing coworker sold me some of her stash that was very well cared for so that made the decision easy! My goal is to cloth diaper 50% of the time. That way I don’t feel “pressured”. We started today! 2. Reduce screen time. I’m essentially a SAHM during the week, so sometimes my only interaction occurs via screen. But I want to be more present. I have limits set for 3.5 hours and no apps after 9 pm (unless I’m nursing Raya in the middle of the night). After a few days of reducing my screen time, I’ve noticed that I accomplish SO MUCH and I’ve had an easier time falling asleep. 3. Buy groceries in bulk. Not like Costco bulk, but reusable bags to buy oats, rice, quinoa, etc. to hopefully reduce waste. This is one that I haven’t done yet. 4. Be more mindful in the social media that I do consume. I follow a ton of accounts on here and Facebook whose content I don’t always need to see. Ranging from general parenting advice, safe sleep, travel, DEI accounts, crunchy mom groups, evidence based mom groups, scrunchie mom groups... now I have to actively seek it to see it and it has greatly reduced my mindless scrolling. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What are your resolutions?

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