“Be the Auntie Rez Kids in Palestine Need Right Now”: Diné Civics and Solidarity with Palestine

Abstract

Indigenous peoples throughout the world have long been subject to settler colonial violence and elimination. This ongoing legacy of settler colonialism and struggle for Indigenous self-determination provides a felt experience that connects many Indigenous people to Palestinians fighting settler colonial oppression and occupation in their homelands. In this article, we highlight examples of Indigenous solidarity with Palestinians, including more specifically Diné solidarity and the advocacy of one Diné educator and artist who transformed her business’ social media site into a powerful platform to educate people about the violence against Palestinians. Of particular focus are the narrative strategies that underlie this approach to Indigenous civics and solidarity, including how solidarity is justified by centering Indigenous values and kinship systems, and by identifying shared experiences of colonialism and dispossession. We end by describing the lessons we learned from this meaningful example of Indigenous civics and solidarity in action.