Native American Spirit Meets Covid 19
BY ALASTAIR RUNNING BEAR
I recently had the opportunity to interview Emerson, founder of Native.Inc, who has been organizing donation runs to Indian Country to alleviate some of the suffering brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. While the White House balked and stalled, Emerson of the Navajo Nation and Daniela of the Mapuche Nation sprang into action in the warrior way. Their North American and South American indigenous unity in action is perhaps another manifestation of the prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor, signaling better times to come. Making monthly donation runs, through rain and snow, to Monument Valley and the surrounding areas since May of 2020, they have uplifted the spirits of native communities in need. And before returning to California, a self-imposed two-week quarantine is endured somewhere out there. Emerson is preparing for the next trip to the Skull Valley Band of Goshute Indians. Over 250 families have benefited from the donations, which have ranged from winter clothing, food, and water, to face masks, cleaning supplies, and toys. Emerson gives thanks to many for their assistance with the runs, including: San Pasqual Fire Dept., City of Indio, the greater communities of Riverside, Los Angeles, San Diego, Victorville, San Jacinto, North Hollywood, Hesperia, and relatives from Morongo Reservation, Soboba Reservation, Pala Reservation, Pechanga Reservation, Rincon Reservation, La Jolla Reservation, Santa Ysabel Reservation, Viejas Reservation, Mountain Source Dispensary on the Santa Ysabel Reservation, Her Native Voice nonprofit of Los Angeles, and a special thanks to the Soboba Indian Youth Council.
