It is described that in the article “Sharing Ones Skin” by Jeanette Armstrong we have many connections to the land and that we have conscious/unconscious values that guide us. Also that the connections we have to the land and how we connect is something many communities share. Being “whole” is vital and without this, this could be the downfall of our community and the capacity it created and continues to build. The land and language are also important connections that hold value. Although there is importance is emotion, some emotion could cause destruction within ourselves and communities. Armstrong is able to give perspective on the good and bad of who we are but also our communities and how we can continue to maintain through our cultural and traditional values.

Armstrong, Jeanette. 1996 "Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community." Pp460-470 in Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith (eds.), The Case Against the Global Economy, San Francisco, CA: Sierra club books.

Every community has connections to landscape/environment, this is where our identity comes from. These places are where our ancestors resided, places we continue to value/create, and have sacred significance. Toastie captures that with perspective and explains it with knowledge giving examples of meanings these places have but how they are named as well. Few people know of the sacred significance landscapes hold for Native people but in a hoping mindset non-natives are considerate and can “learn their place” too.

Toastie, B "How Place Names Impact the Way We See landscape." High Country News, 1 May, 2022.

After reading the article/story by Joe Suina I feel it was written to have other native people relate to his experience. A sense of comfort for us to know that we can overcome hardships, but that they shape us as well. Suina begins with his home life in Cochiti Pueblo, his identity. He describes the home life, his connection to his grandma, the cultural setting and importance, but also the way Cochiti is pretty much isolated and “old fashioned.” Suine then introduces his educational journey and shares the hardships while balancing the white-mans way and cultural life at home. When sharing his experiences it shows the reality of what Native Americans/Pueblo people faced then and how they were taken away and stripped of their identities. Having this insight allows us to understand, make connections, and overcome adversity we face today. It also shows the strengths of how he carried himself and how many others did the same. Being taken from your home and being told “leave your indian at home” is traumatic and hard, today we have proved we can balance both. 

Suina, Joseph. "And Then I Went to School: Memories of a Pueblo Childhood." Vol. V, No. 2 New Mexico Journal of Reading, Winter 1985

In the video "Canes of Power" it addresses Pueblo leadership and the significance behind the canes Pueblos were given. Pueblos were first recognized by Spain and Mexico and later by president Lincoln. These canes were the symbol of sovereignty that was recognized and acknowledged by people out of the communities. Pueblo leaders described the canes to have a "life," "heartbeat," and carry blessings, as a whole it is an entity of guidance. Also addressed the core value(s) instilled in us of respect and acceptance for the authority these canes and leaders carry but also the way we treat the canes in our homes; to ask for blessings, guidance, and just a prayer for all. 

"Canes of power." Pbs."www.pbs.org/video/canes of power. Accessed 2023

Bandelier is the origin to some ancestral Pueblo people it provided the resources our people needed to sustain here. It is talked about how Pueblo people were able to create a life here which took the knowledge of using the land to plant using/developing agriculture techniques, also using architecture techniques to have homes and build kivas they were unique for this , but also came to know they would be provided with game to hunt and use as resources . Being skilled in pottery making this provided them resources to store food, water, but also have cultural significance. After years continued to pass the Ancestral people made their way to live along the Rio Grande which they have resided ever since and continue to thrive of their traditions and culture as they did in Bandelier. 

“New Mexico: Bandelier National Monument (U.S. National Park Service).” Www.nps.gov, www.nps.gov/articles/bandelier.htm. Accessed Dec. 2023.

The AIPC is the leadership of Pueblo leaders who want to guide our communities to "advance our people, protect the teachings of the past, and prepare our young for the future." The AIPC was incorporated in 1970 and  has taken control over cultural and government issues. Although the AIPC accomplished self-determination it faced adversity along the way and still continues to advocate for pueblos today. 

OUR JOURNEY – ALL PUEBLO COUNCIL of GOVERNORS. www.apcg.org/journey/.

“New Mexico Tribe Keeps Title to Portion of National Preserve.” AP News, 24 Mar. 2023, apnews.com/article/native-american-land-dispute-national-preserve. Accessed Nov. 2023.

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Taros, Megan, et al. “Native American Education Advocates in NM Seek Long-Term Funding for Reform.” Source New Mexico, 17 Jan. 2023, sourcenm.com/2023/01/17/native-american-education-advocates-in-nm-seek-long-term-funding-for-education-reform/.

Mabie, Nora. “Blackfeet Nation Calls for Removal of Indian Health Service Leaders.” ICT News, 20 Nov. 2023, ictnews.org/news/blackfeet-nation-calls-for-removal-of-indian-health-service-leaders. Accessed 27 Feb. 2024.

"Building Research Capacity to Correct Global Health Wrongs."The Lancet Global Health.vol 10.no 2."Building Research Capacity to Correct Global Health Wrongs."The Lancet Global Health. Accessed 7, Feb 2024.

"Capacity Development for Education."UNESCO.org2023,www.unesco.org/en/articles/capacity-development-education.Accessed 7 Feb, 2024.