December News - MN Repair Communities Match Grant for Land Justice
"I Am" by Chiffon Lark - New Children's book - Update on Search the Landfill Movement
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Dangerous Faith call for submissions
- Join Weekly Buddhist Vigils for Oak Flat
Activists Living with Disabilities & Prayer Project - Economic Justice Training - Coming April 2026
- Fundamentals Training Schedule 2026
- Webinars: "A Return to the Earth"
Join us for Decolonizing Worship
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MN Repair Communities Match $40,000 Challenge Grant for Land Justice |
The MN Repair Communities have matched and surpassed a challenge grant of $40,000 for land justice. The challenge grant is $30,000 to Makoce Ikikcupi (Dakota Land Recovery) for landback in Minnesota, and $10,000 to the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery for systemic change at the national level. The fundraising campaign runs through December 31st.
A generous Minnesotan - who wishes to remain anonymous - made the $40,000 grant.
Here are the most recent numbers: $38,695 committed to Makoce Ikikcupi + the $30,000 grant = $68,695 for landback in Minnesota.
$12,885 committed to the Coalition + the $10,000 grant = $22,885 for systemic change in the US.
TOTAL to date is $51,580 committed + the $40,000 grant = $91,580 for land justice.
The people and congregations of the MN Repair Communities are a part of the Repair Network of the Coalition. They encompass five geographical areas - Central Minnesota, the Franciscan Community of Little Falls, Mountain Lake, Rochester and the Twin Cities.
Makoce Ikikcupi posted this message and photo on their Facebook page: |
Hello my relatives. The wood pile is stocked. The stove is warming the lodge and the coffee pot is on. Makoce Ikikcupi would like to thank our allies for their support this past year. Pidamaya. |
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"I Am" by Chiffon Lark - New Children's Book teaching Indigenous Worldviews and Languages |
We are so excited to announce the release of a new children's book, "I Am" - written and illustrated by Apache artist Chiffon Lark. The written text is a prayer, teaching an Indigenous worldview alongside touchingly beautiful images of wildlife and a central figure of an Indigenous child. |
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“In Apache tradition, we are taught that everything in creation is alive, sacred, and related. The earth beneath us, the wind that moves through the mountains, the fire that gives warmth, the water that gives life — all are our relatives.
As Apache people, we understand that our lives depend on this sacred web of connection. Every plant, animal, stone, and element holds a spirit and a purpose as the Creator intended. We do not stand apart from the world around us — we live in relationship with it.
To walk in balance means to honor these relationships: to take only what we need, to give thanks, and to remember that we are part of something greater — a circle that includes all of life.”
-Chiffon Lark
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The Coalition has formally partnered with Chiffon to share and distribute "I Am" across our network, and we will be printing 200 copies of "I Am" for our membership, available by pre-order request. Coalition organizers also contributed by creating a 2-page discussion guide at the end of the book!
We encourage you to order a single copy directly from the artist, or request multiple copies through the Coalition's pre-order form. If using the pre-order form, you may also optionally donate to an Indigenous languages translation fund, to support future translations of "I Am" into Indigenous languages.
Questions? Email: doe@dismantlediscovery.org |
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Update on Search the Landfill Movement |
After completing the search at the Prairie Green Landfill and returning the remains of the two women to the family for a respectful burial – the search has begun in the Brady Landfill for 2 other women – Ashley Shingoose and Tanya Nepinak.
In May of 2022 an investigation into the murders of Marcedes Myran, 26, from Long Plain First Nation; Rebecca Contois, 24, from O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation; Morgan Harris, 39, from Long Plain; and Ashlee Shingoose, 30, from St. Theresa Point Anisininew Nation, led investigators to believe the bodies of these women were in the Brady and Prairie Green landfills near Winnipeg, Manitoba. By the time the case went to trial in December of that year police refused to search the landfill.
In response, the Myran and Harris families began organizing and calling on the police to search the landfill for their loved ones. After two years of demonstrations, encampments, calling on officials to begin the search, and the election of a new (Indigenous) premier, Wabanakwut Kinew, the government finally agreed to fund the search in March of 2024. Read a more detailed history of events
From the press release by the Grand Chief of Manitoba:
“Today we honour Ashlee and Tanya. We begin the search they said was impossible. For too long, our women have been dismissed, ignored, and treated as if their lives did not matter. That ends here,” said [Assembly of Manitoba Chief's] Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “This search is about dignity. It is about truth. It is about bringing them home.”
The AMC has been advocating for the search, ensuring that the voices of families remain at the centre of every decision. For three years, AMC has pushed governments, law enforcement, and partners to act, refusing to allow for our loved ones to be forgotten. Grand Chief Wilson says today marks a turning point. “Our families have carried heartbreak every single day. Now they can carry hope. We will walk beside them until their loved ones are brought home, and we will continue to demand safety, justice, and accountability for every First Nation person in this province.” |
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Winter Call for Submissions |
A Dangerous Faith: Inspiration for the Journey, is an online and printed zine for youth and young adults with content written by them and for them. We want contributions from young people of faith who are passionate about justice and advocacy. We are interested in reflections (try to keep it to 600 words), poems, songs, and visual art pieces. Do you know a young artist/writer? Share the submission link with them! |
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Join Weekly Buddhist Vigils for Oak Flat |
Resolution Copper mine at Oak Flat (photo credit: Jeremy Gilchrist) |
Dr. Wendsler Nosie has asked us to continue sharing the Oak Flat story with our communities and praying for the land’s protection. Land turnover to Resolution Copper cannot happen until after the 9th Circuit Court hears oral arguments in two other cases to protect Oak Flat, on January 7, 2026. During this period, we invite you to join your hearts and voices with us. |
Chanting and Meditations for Oak Flat Wednesdays 8:30 - 9 AM PT from Nov 19th - Jan 7th
Sacred Mountain Sangha has joined with us to co-offer the Wednesday session of
their Guardians of the Sacred Chanting Circle--which will be dedicated to the protection of Oak Flat and other Indigenous sacred lands currently at risk. All are welcome. To join us, please pre-register at https://luma.com/cjnxq6a8?tk=HfgBI6 You're welcome to put "0" when asked to pay. Also, please save the link you receive to use at future sessions (this is how their system works)
Learn more from Apache Stronghold and Buddhist sources: Deer Park Monastery, Thanissara (of Sacred Mountain Sangha), and Buddhist Door.
In love and solidarity, The Oak Flat Buddhist Working Group
oakflatbwg@gmail.com |
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Activists Living with Disabilities - Jan 14
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Activists Living with Disabilities have gifts to offer the movement for repair and seeking justice alongside Indigenous relatives. Together, we will explore these gifts and how we can effect change towards disability justice and increased accessibility within the movement. Anyone living with any kind of disability or chronic illness is encouraged to join our monthly drop-in calls. We meet monthly on the second Wednesdays.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, January 14 from 3-4pm PST / 5-6pm CST / 6-7pm EST. You can register here to receive the Zoom link. This month, our topic of conversation will be supports needed for sustainable activism.
Prayer Project Submission Request:
The Activists Living with Disabilities working group invites any Coalition members to submit any of the following: -
Written prayers for the work of the Coalition
- Prayer rituals from your tradition to share (ex: centering prayer, deep breathing etc.)
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Kinesthetic prayer practices, such as folding paper cranes for peace or string knotting
We would like to compile these into a multi-sensory prayer resource for everyone, with an inclusive understanding of what prayer is to different people. Please upload any submissions to this Google Drive, or you can email them to Doe Hoyer (doe@dismantlediscovery.org)
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Economic Justice Training - Coming April 2026! |
SAVE THE DATE! The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery will offer our new Economic Justice, Jubilee, and Reenvisioning Security training for an online cohort of ~30 participants, Sunday afternoons in April and early May.
If you've been thinking about divestment and alternative economies, join this learning community to reflect together on our participation in unjust capitalist systems and move towards life-sustaining possibilities.
This training will be offered in 4 weekly Sunday afternoon modules, April 12, 19, 26, and May 3. Registration for the training series will be shared in next month's newsletter, but you can express your interest early by emailing Doe Hoyer, doe@dismantlediscovery.org. |
Fundamentals Training in 2026 |
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| The Coalition to Dismantle the DoD will continue to hold online trainings of Towards Right Relations and Organizing for Systems Change in 2026. These trainings are great opportunities for new or longtime volunteers to review foundational skills for organizing. In January we will be offering modules 1 and 2 of Moving Towards Right Relations (MTRR). MTRR includes topics like the steps of repair, surfacing core assumptions about justice, engaging in power analysis, enduring discomfort, and more. |
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"A Return to the Earth" Modules 1-4 by Nia To Go There (Cree) |
In January and February, Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples will host a series of four transformative webinars with Nia To Go There. She will guide participants through different cultural perspectives on a path toward decolonizing consciousness and our relationships.
These webinars are presented as a series, in which each session speaks to the others. However, registration for each is separate. Please join for as many as you are able. A Return to the Earth, Module 1: CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
January 10, 12:30-2pm PT, 1:30-3pm MT, 2:30-4pm CT, or 3:30-5pm ET
REGISTER HERE
Nia explores the notion of culture and how the cultural lens of ourselves and our ancestors informs our relationships.
A Return to the Earth, Module 2: SEEING WITH A NATIVE EYE
January 24, 12:30-2pm PT, 1:30-3pm MT, 2:30-4pm CT, or 3:30-5pm ET
REGISTER HERE
We’ll learn about the worldviews and ceremonial practices of Indigenous cultures in North America and the insights they offer for living in right relationship with each other and the Earth.
A Return to the Earth, Module 3: COLONIZATION
February 7, 12:30-2pm PT, 1:30-3pm MT, 2:30-4pm CT, or 3:30-5pm ET
REGISTER HERE
Nia examines colonial perspectives which have led us into disconnection and disharmony in our relationships.
A Return to the Earth, Module 4: DECOLONIZATION
February 21, 12:30-2pm PT, 1:30-3pm MT, 2:30-4pm CT, or 3:30-5pm ET
REGISTER HERE
We will explore the transformative power of decolonizing our world views for stepping into a deep and profound sense of connection to all aspects of the natural world. |
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Our December 26 and January 30 Decolonizing Worship gathering is focused on Storytelling. Traditionally, Native American communities often gather after the Winter Solstice (December 21) to share stories, to reflect and spend quiet time.
We will hold this space over the next two months honoring the period of introspection and quietness of creation and the subtle ways in which we are aware of Creator and Creation.
Register in advance for this meeting
*The ZOOM link has been set up to repeat each month. If you've participated since October it is the same ZOOM link. Feel free to add it to your calendar. |
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Looking for how to plug-in? Want to learn more about the Coalition? Join our next Volunteer Orientation on January 15th from 4-5:30 PST / 5-6:30 MST / 6-7:30 CST / 7-8:30 EST. You can register below for the zoom link!
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Our next Coffee Hour will be Wednesday, January 28th at 9:00 am PST / 10:00 am MST / 11:00 am CST / 12:00 pm EST. Grab a hot beverage of your choice and bring your questions as we spend time in community together. Register for the link below to join! |
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Resource Corner -
"On Dismantling Settler Colonialism" with author John A. Olthuis CommonWord book launch on Thursday Feb 12 at 3pm CT / 2pm MT / 1pm PT / 4pm ET
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In person: Marpeck Commons, 2299 Grant Ave., Winnipeg Canada
- Access the livestream link
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Sarah and Sheri's Substack: Sarah has written a young adult novel, “Peacekeepers/Truthbringers,” and we’re excited to share it with you. As a holiday gift, we’ll be serializing the book—releasing a new chapter every Monday for 12 weeks. We’ll also continue to post occasional non-fiction reflections as inspiration and news arise. We’d love to hear what you think of the story as it unfolds, so please let us know how this serialization lands with you!
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SUGARCANE is film documenting the Williams Lake First Nation investigation of St Joseph’s Mission, a Catholic run boarding school in Canada. From now until January 31st (2026) communities of faith are invited to host a FREE screening of the film. Fill out the screening request form
- Eternal Song Film Series: The Coalition is an affiliate partner and receives 50% commission when you pay to stream these films using the links below
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All check donations to the Coalition should be sent to the following address: Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery 3258 Thompson Ave. Alameda, CA 94501 Checks should still be made out to our fiscal sponsor, Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference. If the check is for the salary campaign or another special fund, that should also be mentioned in the memo line. |
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The Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition is fiscally sponsored by and a ministry partner of the Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference (PSMC).
Want to receive our appeal letters by mail? Email your address to us at admin@dismantlediscovery.org |
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