Dinner and Dialogue:Unraveling Colonialism

April 11, 2023

6:30 - 8:30 pm

In person or Zoom

Unraveling Colonialism

Studying the Native American Experience

Theme: "Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story." Mark Twain

This month we have the honor of welcoming guest speaker Danika Alexis McCarthy whose Ojibwe name is "The Painted Turtle Woman." Our time together begins with a casual interview-style conversation between DEI council board member, Diane Otsuka and Danika Alexis McCarthy. Topics will be inclusive of our previous months of exploration on the subject of Unraveling Colonialism: A Study of the Native American Experience and move into topics we may not have covered previously (i.e., missing Native American and Indigenous women, a better understanding of the reference to Turtle Island, and more). This is a completely interactive discussion and audience participants are encouraged to interact with Danika throughout the program.

Danika brings a depth of knowledge, education, and lived experience in Native American studies, culture, and counseling and is herself a part of the Turtle Clan of White Earth Reservation in Minnesota. She has agreed to come into our space to offer wisdom and responses to questions that may have come up for us while on this journey together. This is our opportunity to reflect on the humanity of those peoples who have been caretakers of this land we now refer to as the United States of America. Danika invites us all to come into this space with authenticity, willing to potentially sit in discomfort and open to explore from a place of curiosity.

The evening includes a potluck for those joining in person. Please bring your favorite dish to share. We will also have time for debriefing and discussion.

Danika McCarthy’s Bio

Boozhoo.

Mishiikehnkwe nindizhinikaaz. Danika McCarthy nindigoo zhaaganaashiimowin. Mikinaak nindoodem. Gaa-waabaabiganikaag nindoonjibaa. Gichi-Gakaabikaa nindoonjibaa. Hello. My Ojibwe name is "The Painted Turtle Woman." My English name is Danika Alexis McCarthy, which means "The Morning Star; The Protector; Loving." I am a part of the Turtle clan of White Earth Reservation in Minnesota. I am currently in Graduate School to be a Licensed Marriage, Family, and Couples Counselor for which I hope to support and assist Individuals struggling with Trauma. I am beyond thankful to have graduated from the University of Minnesota with bachelor's Degrees in Linguistics and Native American Studies, and a minor in Creative Writing; from Minnesota School of Business with an Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology; and from North Hennepin Community College with an Associate's degree in General Studies. I am an individual that thirsts for personal growth, healing, and any and all knowledge. I hope to always provide support for those around me as we all are on this journey of exploring Life and Existence. I share my home with my three hilarious fur-relatives: Khepri, Kal-el and Lu Lu Bean and my best friend, my mom. A Fun, silly Fact about me: I love to rearrange my home every 3-4 months to shake up the "feeling" of the space and my within mind.

ABOUT THIS SERIES

Awareness, education, action. During the six-month series: Unraveling Colonialism - Studying the Native American Experience, we introduce ways to be more aware of the impact of colonialism on our socialization culturally, and, very specifically, the atrocious way colonialism supports acts of land theft, laws that violate indigenous culture, methodical genocide, and other stories left out of traditional history.

The series provides opportunities for education beyond traditional history and ways to become more aware of the truth hidden behind the "good story" in order to humanize stories of individuals, and bring to life - and celebrate - the Spirit of the peoples who initially stewarded the land now called the United States of America.

This year we ask you to consider a monetary contribution to help us honor our guest speakers and to cover our operating expenses. With your support, we continue to offer programs that help us all become more aware of social justice issues and become better educated about our roles, and the barriers still in place to change. All with the intention of making better choices on how we act in our individual, interpersonal, institutional, and ideological interactions.

You may join in person or via ZOOM. If you join in person, you may bring your favorite dish to share and please arrive by 6:15 so that we may begin the meal at 6:30.

Unraveling Colonialism - A Conversation with "The Painted Turtle Woman"