Charles Kader: Sovereignty comes full circle for original people

Sovereignty is a word with many meanings. Because it is a Latin word in origination, adapted by the French language, there may be several definitions. The adaptation by Onkwehonweh (Original People) of the use of this word most often relates to a hereditary political status that many have embraced. For some, it is the most profound source of self-esteem that they are able to maintain in their personal lives.

Applications of foreign languages on Turtle Island have created inherent confusion. Original languages could never account for certain foreign cultural phrasing, and vice-versa. The words “pray” and “prey” both sound alike, but are meant to mean greatly different things, in one instance.

Onkwehonweh social response has also been mis-categorized, time and again. Irreverence in the face of injustice and oppression has often been an expression of internal balance, not a flippant response to authority, as outside systems sometimes record it. The maintenance of a sense of humor amidst hardship possibly defines the ride of the Red Road that one embarks upon, as much as anything else does. Said another way, just think about what prior generations embarked upon to see you here today, doing whatever it is that one does.