April 17th, 2020
Araleyah Rojas (Air)

My name is Air, I use all pronouns but mostly they/them. I currently live on stolen land of the Multnomah and Chinook tribes, what many now call the city of Portland. As a brown, queer, Indigenous, and first generation citizen, I know that I am not equal to most people. Through my experience growing up in a white centered school, city, state and country, knowing the history of my people, and the history of this nation; I can agree with presidential candidate Mark Charles on the fact that “We The People” never included all of us. It’s no surprise to me that a country founded on the genocide of Indigenous people, has continued to weave racism into its politics to this day. When you look at the true history and current news of the US, you will see that this government and its politicians have committed acts of violence towards certain groups of people – especially Indigenous, Black, and Undocumented folx. From the american slave trade, to wounded knee, to the porvenir massacre, and Japanese internment camps – people of color have good reason not to trust the government.

Today under the current presidency, asylum seekers (including children) are being held in cages, COVID-19 is being blamed on a single race of people, land is still being stolen from tribes, and Black folx are still being thrown into prisons for profit. When you live your whole life knowing that politicians don’t value your existence as a human being, it’s hard to trust and have hope in the voting system. But this year feels different to me. With so much drastic change happening as each day passes, I can’t help but think about finding ways to utilize this momentum to create revolutionary, systematic change. For the first time in many peoples lives, an Indigenous person is running for president of the United States.

This year I will vote for the first time. Due to corruption within our system, I never felt voting could really change anything and I’m not completely sure if my vote matters today. But what I do know, is there’s an opportunity to vote for someone who brings up conversations that this country as a whole has never had. I can vote for someone who is Indigenous to this land and could potentially be a huge step towards giving the land back to its original stewards. I can vote for someone who could begin to dismantle white supremacy within our government. Our votes followed by action could change things forever. The decisions we make as a whole, will affect the future 7 generations ahead of us. It’s up to us to make choices based on our truth and integrity. We have the power to change this country as we currently know it. Even if my vote doesn’t make a mark, it’s better than not voting when we could have had an anti-fascist, radical, Native president.

Follow Air on Instagram.