Exploring An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the U.S. with BJ McManama, Indigenous Environmental Network (Zoom)

Brenda Jo (BJ) McManama, Indigenous Environmental Network
The Indigenous Environmental Network has brought together and organized Indigenous Peoples and communities globally on issues related to Indigenous land rights and autonomy. BJ, has been involved with Indigenous and environmental issues for over 30 years. Beginning in the early 1990s she worked with WV State agencies on NAGPRA issues, actively opposed mountaintop/strip coal mining, and worked with public education officials to provide comprehensive Native American history and current events to high school curriculum. BJ is a member of the Campaign to Stop GE Trees and local network steering committees with both Indigenous and Front Line community organizations on education and outreach centered on issues of environmental and climate justice, threats connected to genetic engineering and rights of nature, identification and opposition to false solutions to climate change, and rights of self-determination wherever threatened.

Spiritual Enrichment Class Open to Adults and Youth (Jr. High and up)

We have been exploring the book, “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. You are encouraged to read it on your own, as it serves as an excellent supplement to this class. Pick up a copy of the book by dropping by the office on a Sunday before 11:00 a.m. Worship Service.

We have also listened to a series of guests speakers. Stay tuned for details on upcoming speakers this Fall.

Register in advance for this class using this Zoom link. You will receive an email after you have completed your Zoom registration.

There is no cost for UUMiami members.
Non-members pay $15 to register for this class. Click here to pay. You can also go to the uumiami.org website and click on Donate to pay the registration fee.

January: Gregg Deal, artist and activist
February: Kara Dawne Zemel on the Plight of Indigenous Women. Kara Dawne Zemel – Kariwaiens is from the Kanien’keha:ka Nation (Mohawk Nation) at Kahnawake, just outside of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She has served of the Youth Council and Board of Directors of Quebec Native Women, written for The Eastern Door Newspaper, and has worked as a librarian and now records manager for her community.
March: Dina Gilio-Whitaker on the history of Negative Environmental Impact on Indigenous Peoples
April: Betsy Osceola- grandmother of Miccosukee and Seminole origin and minder of the Everglades
September: Fred Lane, Lummi Nation, Totem Pole Carvers