We understand that the best environmental policy is to give the land back to indigenous peoples. Therefore, we engage in solidarity work with the Indigenous peoples whose land we live on in the spirit of Maroon communities. We see Black and Indigenous solidarity as some of the most powerful work against colonialism, as we were both the first casualties in the creation of America. We see our alliance as an important tenet of decolonization and a way to combat the oppression olympics some of our communities fall victim to, as divide and conquer is one of the oldest colonial tactics in the book. We are the only Black organization in Arizona that has a strong long-running commitment and material evidence toward building bridges between Black and Indigenous communities.
We build solidarity by showing up for Indigenous struggles. We have been involved in the struggle to protect Oak Flat, we showed up in Minnesota for the struggle against Line 3 on Annishabe lands, and lift up other frontline struggles happening on the Akimel O’odham lands that we live on. Our longest-running partnership is with Black Mesa Resistance Camp. We began working with this group in 2018. Initially, we showed up to support to sheep herd and do physical labor around the ranch. Since COVID-19, the work shifted to food runs because the Navajo Nation was hardest hit. In partnership with Phoenix Mutual Aid, we run quarterly food runs for the elders up there, usually aiming for food for 45 families. We also gather volunteers and caravan to Black Mesa for spring shearing camps and winter wood hauling camps. We also act as a fiscal sponsor and support with fundraising, receive tax-deductible donations for them using our nonprofit EIN, have a separate checking & savings account for their work, and generally provide support for the work they are doing.
To get involved, please use our contact form below.