As we have celebrated Thanksgiving today, I think it would behoove everyone to take a closer look into the events surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline. There is a disturbing amount of force being placed by the state on behalf of big corporations, which should be disconcerting to anyone who has an interest in freedom in this country. Worse still, the push against this pipeline is being spearheaded by the local Native Americans, which means that most Americans are not going to really care. This is indicated by the utter lack of coverage on the issue by mainstream media. Take a look at the amount of force “necessary” to enforce corporate interests:
Necessary? No. On Thanksgiving, which is a holiday based on an interaction between European immigrants and Native Americans, we should all be ashamed of the actions taken against protestors by the so-called “protectors” of the people. Help the Standing Rock Sioux in their fight, here: http://standingrock.org/news/standing-rock-sioux-tribe–dakota-access-pipeline-donation-fund/
Further, I think it would be important for everyone to learn some more about their local tribes, especially their culture and language. World of Words has done an interesting show on the Standing Rock Sioux as well as the Miami.
For those in Alabama, you might be familiar with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. They hold many cultural events where people may visit and learn about their culture. Creek language (aka Muskogean or Seminole language), is the one traditionally spoken by this group of people. Many cities’ names are in fact derived from Muskogean words, such as Mobile (named after the tribe residing there) and Tuscaloosa (named after the chief Tuskaloosa, meaning Black Warrior). Alabama is even a Muskogean word, and is even an Eastern Muskogean language that is related to Creek. I encourage every Alabaman to learn about this fascinating group of people and their language(s). Here is a collection of materials about Creek:
William & Mary Creek Language Project Page (contains text and audio)
Muskogean languages from The Native Languages of the Southeastern United States
Minimal yet Optimal 
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