News
A Difficult Decision After Decades of Voluntary Work
An Open Letter from the Chairwoman
(News in German - Auf deutsch)
After much reflection, I have decided not to continue my voluntary work in its previous form. This was not an easy step, as the collaboration and exchange over so many years have been deeply meaningful to me.
My interest was sparked during my childhood. This is not uncommon in Germany, especially for my generation. I am a 61‑year‑old German citizen. In 1989, I attended a powwow at the Killesberg in Stuttgart. The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin had decided to organize a second trip to Germany because its tribal citizens had felt very welcome during their first stay. The events were carried out in close cooperation with German partners. At the powwow I met Native Americans who were stationed here in Germany with the U.S. military. From then on, my life took a different course. Decades of shared experiences and cooperation with Native Americans have completely changed my perspective.
This work has always been very close to my heart. Recently, however, I have witnessed a growing division. People who see themselves as supporters of Native Americans increasingly dismiss the voices of non‑Indigenous individuals simply because of their ancestry. Being treated this way is painful, especially after so many years of committed cooperation. What I am experiencing is another form of discrimination — one that often does not come from Native Americans, but from non‑Natives who believe they are acting in the spirit of decolonization. Sadly, this leads to division and separation instead of the healing, harmony, mutual understanding, and peace that so many of us hoped for.
The information pages will stay online so the material remains available. I have restructured these websites and I'm planning to continue updating them as time permits.
Carmen Kwasny
Chairwoman, NAAoG e.V.
