INDEPENDENCE DAY

Photography by Robby Romero | Standing Rock Stronghold

July 4, 2025 | Native Children’s Survival

Independence Day, the day commemorating the founding of the United States, is hard to celebrate for Indigenous Peoples, people of color, and those who have been unwarrantedly targeted, detained, and deported during recent mass ICE raids.

It’s also hard to hear elected officials who make dehumanizing generalizations that incite racial hatred and violence. Respectfully, it’s reminiscent of the authors of the Declaration of Independence. In this celebrated 1776 declaration of colonial independence from Great Britain, the authors refer to Indigenous Peoples as “Merciless Indian Savages.” This hate speech, written while they were actively involved in ethnic cleansing, slavery, and oppression, echoes what we are hearing and witnessing now.

Looting, plundering, and invading by force have their roots in the arrival of explorers on Indigenous shores and the European invasion and colonization of the Americas. This criminality has been nothing short of a reign of terror against humanity and nature that continues to this day. Those calling for mass raids, deportations, and incarceration are unwilling to open this Pandora’s box of worms and have an open, honest conversation about the consequences. This is posed without any intention of disrespecting worms.

As the United States commemorates its Independence Day, let us remember our shared humanity. Power is not about impoverishing others while waging war, developing weapons of mass destruction, and benefiting from tyranny and genocide. It’s about standing up for the well-being of the people and all creation with empathy, compassion, and love.

What is power to you?