By Dorina Hawkes

I can’t ignore it.  We are a part of Southern California and we all felt the impact of the recent fires whether directly or indirectly in some way or another.  We felt it in our families, in our workplaces, and of course across social media and the news outlets.  We saw the negative words I wrote in the sidebar: Destruction.  Evacuation.  But we also saw the positive words: Community.  Together.  Rally.  

So many businesses opened their doors to offer shelter or to accept donations or both.  Many of those business even had to stop accepting donations and direct people elsewhere because they received so much. 

The community showed up and needs are being met but this is far from over.

I can’t help but think of the timing.  The new year often encourages many of us to purge our clutter and donate items anyway.  I myself had a huge bag that I was just about to take to goodwill.  What a good reminder to stop hoarding and give freely.  Give to those in desperate need instead of sitting in our excess.  I hope this can become a regular mindset and not just something we remember when disaster strikes. 

Community is a pillar of Native culture.  Sharing stories, sharing knowledge, and sharing resources.  If you follow any of the local Native groups on social media you’ll see that they have continued to uphold these values.  Let us strive to do the same.