What does it mean to belong somewhere? As a person of European descent living in the United States, I've often wrestled with this question – how to honor the indigenous peoples of the land I call home while also nurturing my own sense of place and belonging.
In this special narrative episode, I step away from my usual format to share a personal written reflection titled "We Are All Indigenous." The story begins at a Taoist meditation center where, instead of the familiar crystal singing bowl that typically concludes our gatherings, we receive unexpected visitors from the Center for Indigenous Arts. Their presence creates a beautiful synergy between Eastern spiritual practices and Native American traditions, culminating in a profound message from an indigenous woman: "We are all indigenous to this earth."
This statement – at once simple and controversial – becomes the centerpiece of my reflection. I explore what it might mean to claim a shared indigenous relationship with the planet without diminishing the unique cultural heritage and historical wounds of specific Native peoples. I contemplate the experience of my herbalist friend with Irish ancestry who feels "like a woman without a land," and my own connection to ancestral places I've never known alongside the American West where I was born.
The reflection touches on historical erasure, the devastating impact of colonization, and the impossible task of undoing past harms. Yet it also offers a vision of healing through recognition of our shared humanity and collective responsibility to the Earth. It's a fragile, imperfect meditation that asks more questions than it answers – but these are questions worth asking if we hope to create a world where everyone feels at home.
I welcome your thoughts, stories, and perspectives on this complex topic. How do you navigate your relationship with place and belonging? Connect with me at shannonwills.com and continue this important conversation.
