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.

By Dorina Hawkes

“NEW”—I’m sure you’re hearing that word a lot right now.  Maybe, like me, you’re a little tired of it.  Like most things this time of year, this word has become commercialized and packaged into something exhausting.

This newsletter is being posted January 1st, New Year’s Day on my shiny new calendar.  Many people are setting goals and making plans.  The New Year often signifies a fresh slate and a chance to start over.  All good things.  

However, just the other night was the last New Moon of 2024 starting the first new lunar cycle leading into 2025.  The New Moon, like the start of the New Year, is also a time to start fresh, set goals, and make plans.  Many people take this time to smudge their spaces and make intentions.  I want to point out that this is not a once a year thing, this is an every month thing. Every month we have an opportunity to set goals and start fresh.  Every month a new cycle begins.  

So take some time to slow down.  Take some time to pour back into your own cup.  Take some time to really think about those intentions and goals.   Not because of a January 1st deadline on a shiny new calendar, but because these should be regular healthy habits as constant as the moon. 

Lunar New Year is on January 29th celebrating the first New Moon of 2025 that night.  If you missed the last New Moon, make a note for the next one to smudge your space, make intentions, and start fresh.  If you forget, you’ll get another chance 30 days later, and again 30 days after that, and again and again and again.  Make it a habit and be intentional.  Who knows where these new habits will take you by the time you get your next shiny new calendar?