Animal Welfare Professionals

The Community Conversations on November 25th and December 2nd are canceled for the Fall holiday break. We look forward to seeing you again for the Community Conversation on December 9th.

The following message is from the Community Conversations Steering Committee:

As we move through November, the Steering Committee acknowledges the diverse traditions and sentiments this time of year may bring for each of us.

Historically, Thanksgiving has been celebrated as a time for gathering with family and friends, sharing traditions, and appreciating the bonds we share with one another and with the animals in our lives. It is also a day of remembrance, a time to honor the history, resilience, and profound wisdom of Native American communities who endured for centuries and continue to endure injustice, displacement, and cultural erasure. We recognize that this duality exists, and that this season may bring a complex mix of emotions for many of us.

Acknowledging the Human-Animal Bond

This season, let's appreciate how animals help us navigate all that the holidays bring: the good and the uncomfortable. Whether it's having deep conversations with family members with your dog by your side or avoiding large gatherings and staying in with your cat, our animal companions are there to support us.

Resources for Learning and Reflection

• Understanding Native American Heritage Month: To deepen your knowledge and understanding, we encourage you to explore the Smithsonian's resources on Native American Heritage Month: https://www.si.edu/spotlight/native-american-heritage-month

• Practicing Gratitude: Consider taking a few moments to reflect on what you're grateful for, both big and small. This can include acknowledging the comfort that animals provide, the support of our community, or simply the opportunity to pause and breathe.

• Engaging in Personal Reflection: For those interested in exploring ways to connect with different perspectives, we recommend reading and listening to Indigenous voices, such as the podcast "All My Relations," which dives into topics of culture, identity, and resilience:All My Relations | HOME

• Understanding Native American Heritage Month: We encourage you to listen to Indigenous communities today to deepen your understanding of their priorities and explore ways to offer meaningful support. Below are some Native-led initiatives you can learn about and support.

  • Natives in Vet Med: If you're looking for ways to give back, consider supporting Natives in Vet Med, an organization dedicated to increasing Indigenous representation and support in veterinary medicine:Natives in VetMed

  • NDN Collective: If you're looking for ways to take action and support native voices, NDN Collective is a national organization dedicated to building indigenous power through defending indigenous cultures, developing indigenous communities and decolonization.
    Home - NDN COLLECTIVE

  • All My Relations: For those interested in exploring ways to connect with different perspectives, we recommend reading and listening to Indigenous voices, such as the podcast "All My Relations," which dives into topics of culture, identity, and resilience:All My Relations | HOME

We hope these resources offer ways to engage meaningfully, whether you're learning, reflecting or seeking to connect with others in our community. However you choose to approach this season, know that we honor and support your experience.

In gratitude,

Community Conversations Steering Committee