Native American Women Speak at Arcata Playhouse for International Women’s Day Celebration

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ARCATA, Ca. (KIEM) – The Arcata playhouse is celebrating International Women’s Day by hosting various events and shows throughout the week. It’s part of their 02F Festival.

Stories passed down throughout the years teach generations many lessons.

It’s through these tales where they show resilience, strength, and empowerment; especially on a day like International Women’s Day.

“I think it’s important for people all throughout the communities to understand how much we continue to use our knowledge and our cultures in a contemporary context,” said Cutcha Risling Baldy, Humboldt State’s Department Chair for Native American Studies.

Through these tales that were passed down through time, they were taking about their narrative.

“We were re-centering female empowerment based on our creation stories so i think that’s important especially on international women’s day to be able to tell our own narratives as indigenous women,” says Marlene Dusek, one of the panel speakers.

These shared stories continue to remind Native American women about their identity, who they are, and where they come from.

“Our own stories remind us that we can from a very strong people,” said Risling Baldy, “a people that always have been here on this land and will continue to be here.”

Passing down culture and heritage shows empowerment.

“We’ve seen these narrative change from this colonial perspective of oppressing people of color,” said Dusek.

“For us as indigenous women it’s important to regain that and regain that power not only for us as women but also for next generations.”

By sharing these stories, it also creates healing from the years of oppression.

“When you tell this story it’s a powerful way of helping other people and I think the same things comes out of helping other people too,” says Risling Baldy.

Not only does it inspire Native American women, but women from all walks to life.

“It enables women to leave bad situations and to believe in themselves and to know that there’s a lot of strength to be found just in us,” said Alyssa Murro, a teacher who attended the panel.

By creating conversation and sharing stories, it allows people to speak out.

The 02F Festival runs until Sunday.