Two members of the Core Committee of Malden Reads, Karen Stern and Ose Schwab, were inspired by the book selection for Malden Reads, the Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. The book stimulated some questions about the first inhabitants of this continent. Theses questions may lurk in all of us. But it seems few talk about what has transpired for the indigenous people? Few know or think about the dilemma of the cultural devastation of many tribes, our responsibility to pay attention, ackonwledge the past, and what we can do together now and going forward.
Those of us who are not indigenous, we have made our home here. With all that has transpired - many injustices, some efforts to make peace, many courageous souls - we all have the chance to create a new story: a story that acknowledges the past with wisdom; a story that folds us all together as one somehow celebrating differing origins, languages, and culture. This story unfolds for and about the people on a continent bound not only by ocean but also cradled in respect, kindness, and the consideration for at least seven generations forward.
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