Mitak’ Oyasin

On the prairie— on the Great Plains Before the highways and the long coal trains Lived a people, with a kinship Grandfather put them on this land in friendship All family, blood through the veins Of the people and the nations and the grasses and the rains No “wilderness,” no fear... Those indigenous nations still living right here— Still livin’ right here Still livin’ right here Still livin’ right here Still livin’ right here A hundred policies made, tried to take em A hundred treaties signed, just to break em They stand together for the sake of the water All the seventh-generation grandsons and granddaughters It can seem lonely—but they’re not alone Singing prayers for the spirits of the ones who passed on Open your eyes to the beauty you’re crossing Learn how to walk in Mitak’ Oyasin. Mitak’ Oyasin Mitak’ Oyasin Mitakuye Oyasin Mitak’ Oyasin