In The Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful.
Reflections on Our Visit to The Pala Band of Mission Indians Reservation to Strengthen Indigenous-Led Media and Community
by Sister Charlene Muhammad, Sister Shawna Joy X and Baby Jaiyana
I recently visited Houston, Texas, for the funeral of my little cousin Sean. Whenever I visit, it’s always for more than just a weekend event. I take time to visit with and serve my mother, Dora, and my biological and mosque family at the Nation of Islam’s Muhammad Mosque No. 45 and extended family and friends. This last time was a little extra heavy because of the passing of our loved one, who, like me, was the hearty baby of his family.
I found myself longing to get to the land. I kept saying and praying that when I returned to Southern California, I wanted to go be with my Indigenous brothers and sisters, to visit with them, on their land. I wanted to go high, go far, and be able to see wide swaths of land, to reconnect with nature and to commune with the Creator, to clear my mind, to rejuvenate, to level up, and to double down on my work. That is reporting, telling stories, connecting worlds, and building communities.
I was utterly surprised and grateful to Allah (God) when I opened up an email from my sister, Mary Muhammad, who serves as the Student Director of Protocol for the Muhammad Mosque No. 8 in San Diego, California. She was invited, and, in turn, invited me, to an event on January 27 at the Pala Band of Mission Indians called by the publisher and editor of the San Diego-based newspaper Indian Voices, the beloved Rose Davis.
Prayers answered! And to top it off, my sister and niece, Shawna Joy X, and her baby, four-year-old Jaiyana, accompanied me!
We made it to the gathering titled “Indigenous Wisdom Through Media Heals Humanity and Turtle Island,” also hosted and coordinated, along with others, by Brother Eric Ortega of Rez Radio. It was an invitation to all writers and artists involved in the media, working and non-working, to gather on sacred grounds and to share stories and encouragement. Instantly, this was a “drop everything, clear calendar” read for me. However, due to my own work deadlines, we missed the morning events and arrived early in the afternoon. I, however, felt like we were there the entire time. The drive and sights were soothing, as we approached.
It is necessary to rest, especially as one who intakes, absorbs, and distributes so many stories, the hopes, pains, and passions of so many people. But sometimes, one is only able to rest in the work because, when the call comes, it comes, and we must respond. We must be there for one another.
This gathering was critical. This moment was special. It strengthened coalition-building and Indigenous-led media, reporting through a lens of healing and unity. Unity is key.
The responding community members hail from independent communities, Indigenous radio, podcasts, newsletters, online and social media, and other various forms of media. We heard and shared experiences, the hopes and dreams of why we were there, which was to answer a call to create a unified voice for the community.
I was able to share that moment with family and reconnect with some of my brothers and sisters with whom I have gone from covering in media to building personal relationships with after nearly three decades in media. It was moving to reconnect with Sister Rose, meet her beautiful daughter, Serena, and meet Rez Radio’s Brother Eric Ortega!
A pure joy was to see Baby Jaiyana dance, sing, and frolic on the land with her mother, Sister Shawna, both of whom brought so much joy to the sacred ground.
Below is some of what Sister Shawna Joy expressed, nervously, as she held the beautifully sculpted Talking Stick in her hand.
Thank you, Sister Rose, Brother Eric, Sister Serena, and all who coordinated this unprecedented first gathering and welcomed us with open arms to create with you.
Peace and blessings.
At Your Service, Sister Charlene Muhammad, Multi-Media Journalist, Producer, Consultant
