An IndigenousMatters@IU Consciousness-Raising and Call to Action Project
Indiana University’s First Nations Educational and Cultural Center and Institute for Indigenous Knowledge encourage you to help raise consciousness of Indigenous peoples and issues and take action on behalf of Indigenous peoples through their Jingle Cones for Justice Project on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, October 14, 2024.
What is the purpose of the Jingle Cones for Justice Project?
Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, First Nations Peoples, and other Indigenous people throughout the world are still healing from and resisting settler colonization and genocide. Jingle Cones for Justice calls our attention to Indigenous peoples and Indigenous issues, raising collective consciousness and sustained action toward justice.
The focus of this year’s Jingle Cones for Justice Project is on Native peoples impacted by U.S. Indian boarding school policies. The U.S. government boarding school system was designed to destroy Native cultures and languages and assimilate Native children and youth into white American society. The system led to intergenerational trauma and culture and language loss among those who attended them, their families, and their tribal nations.
How does the Jingle Cones for Justice Project work? Jingle cones — small, metal, cone-shaped objects worn by Native American and First Nations powwow dancers who dance a healing dance known as “jingle dress” — are to be worn all day on Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 14, 2024) by those who wish to help raise consciousness of Indigenous peoples and issues. You simply attach a set of jingle cones to your clothing or backpack. The unique sound the jingle cones make as you move is a reminder that Indigenous people are still here, Indigenous people are rebuilding their nations, but much healing remains, and Indigenous issues matter — to everyone.
Since this year’s Jingle Cones for Justice Project aims to raise consciousness and action specifically about the U.S. Indian boarding school system, supporters are strongly encouraged to learn more about the system and take action by donating to the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, “the first and only national organization whose purpose is to advocate on behalf of Native peoples impacted by U.S. Indian boarding school policies.”
How can I get my jingle cones? Jingle cones are available at the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center (712 E 8th St, Bloomington, IN) Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. There is no charge for the cones, however individuals wanting to donate to the missions and projects of Indiana University’s First Nations Educational and Cultural Center and Institute for Indigenous Knowledge are encouraged to click the Giving links on each of their homepages.
Who benefits? We all benefit, Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people alike. As awareness of Indigenous peoples and issues grows throughout our communities, there is a greater likelihood that we can actively pursue justice. When we acknowledge the truth of settler colonization and genocide against Indigenous peoples as well as the need for creating pathways for Indigenous justice, we create a stronger foundation for healing within Indigenous communities and we promote healthy relationships among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
