Sustainability

Indigenous creations like quill boxes, while originally used for storage, were then later used during colonization to sustain families financially and the communities through their ancient traditions (Hemenway and van Bussel 29). Quill boxes are also creations made entirely out of natural materials that can break down over time and be restored back to the earth. Indigenous women like Lorraine Besito have historically been creating pieces of art that are not only environmentally sustainable, but sustainable in a way that uplifts their communities through traditions. This type of Indigenous work and art allows us to understand how anti-colonial practices are connecting sustainable communities and histories with sustainable ecosystems and environments (Rand). This connection can be seen through Lorraine’s use of the Baltimore Oriole to not only decorate a piece of historical and sustainable artwork, but to understand what this bird symbolizes ecologically. This type of Indigenous connection between history, colonialism, art, and sustainability is incredibly valuable to conservation efforts for organisms especially when it comes to climate change.