By Iktomi Bre
Note: Iktomi Bre sent this message to the Nov. 22 gathering hosted by PeaceWorks and other groups about what to do in the wake of the 2024 elections.

In a time like this, I just want to say to everyone: The longer that we continue to not educate ourselves on history and all truths behind it, the more we continue to not learn anything from our ancestors. The more division will continue.
I want to remind everyone that history is dark and it is sad. It is truth. Moving forward, we should not be continuing mentalities that are hateful, abusive, ignorant, and selfish.
If we really want change and to move forward in a good way, it is time to look in the mirror and take a hard look at who you are and how you choose to walk this earth. And I know we all have a deep profound love. That is the strength that Creator gave us.
—Iktomi Bre, a member of the PeaceWorks Board of Directors, is an Indigenous Cherokee/Dakota (Sioux), enrolled in the Cherokee Nation.