​May 4th is called Bird Day, a special day dedicated to appreciating and protecting these feathered creatures. The origins of Bird Day date back to 1894 when Charles Almanzo Babcock, a superintendent of schools in Oil City, Pennsylvania, proposed the idea of a day to celebrate birds and educate children about their importance. Since then, Bird Day has become a worldwide celebration of birds and their significance to our ecosystem.
Birds hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for our Indigenous community, and their songs, calls, and flight patterns carry important messages from the spirit world. In our Indigenous traditions, birds are considered messengers or mediators between humans and the divine.
Birds are often featured in our Indigenous art, music, and dance. Observing and protecting birds is also an essential part of our Indigenous culture. We, Indigenous people, have long understood the importance of birds and have developed deep cultural and spiritual connections to these creatures. By learning from our Indigenous traditions and working together to protect bird habitats and populations, we can ensure that these magnificent creatures continue to inspire and delight us for generations to come.
Our Indigenous community plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance. Unfortunately, birds increasingly face threats from water, air, and land pollution caused by human activities. This pollution destroys habitats and directly affects bird populations, making them sick or unable to reproduce.
The Purple Martin is one bird species currently facing the threat of extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. This bird species is a valuable ecosystem member, crucial in controlling mosquito populations. The importance of the Purple Martin to Indigenous communities, such as the Cohanzick people, cannot be overstated, as it has been a traditional method of mosquito control for generations.
The Cohanzick people have long recognized the importance of Purple Martins in controlling the mosquito population. We have even developed specific strategies to encourage the nesting of Purple Martins in our communities. We build birdhouses called "Martin houses" that provide shelter and nesting sites for these birds. We Cohanzick people also create smoke fires to keep mosquitoes at bay and provide a food source for the Purple Martins, further encouraging their presence.
The decline in the population of Purple Martins is a cause for concern among our Indigenous communities, as it affects our traditional mosquito control methods and threatens the ecosystem's overall health. The Purple Martin is critical in controlling mosquito populations, which can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus and other illnesses.
We Indigenous communities have recognized the importance of these birds for generations and have developed traditional methods to encourage their presence. As the Purple Martin faces the threat of extinction, we must take action to protect their habitats and ensure their survival. This will help preserve our traditional Indigenous practices and promote a healthier environment for all living beings.

My published book "He Talks to Birds" was written to bring awareness to the importance of the history of the Purple Martins and their significance to our Indigenous communities. By shedding light on the traditional mosquito control methods and the crucial role that Purple Martins play in maintaining ecological balance, this book helps promote greater appreciation for these valuable birds.
Through this book, readers can better understand the cultural significance of Purple Martins to Indigenous communities, such as the Cohanzick people, and how we have relied on these birds for generations. This book also highlights the dangers that the Purple Martin is currently facing and how we can take action to protect their habitats and ensure their survival.
By supporting this book, readers can contribute to preserving our traditional Indigenous practices and promoting the conservation of the Purple Martin species. This book serves as a valuable tool in raising awareness about the importance of protecting our natural environment and the critical role that every living being plays in maintaining ecological balance. "He Talks to Birds" brings about positive change by promoting awareness of the importance of the Purple Martin to Indigenous communities and this bird's critical role in maintaining ecological balance. https://amzn.to/42r4sve
The Northeast region of North America has been the traditional home of many bird species that have played a crucial role in the culture and traditions of Indigenous communities. The original birds of the Northeast were diverse species, including the Turkey, Grouse, Eagle, Owl, and Hawk.

The Turkey is one of the most well-known bird species in the Northeast and has been an essential part of Indigenous culture for centuries. The turkey played a significant role in many Indigenous ceremonies, storytelling, and is a staple food source for many communities.
"The Tale of the Turkey's Detailed Tail" is an important contribution to the awareness of Indigenous Cohanzick contributions to the correct history of the Northeast region of North America. The book focuses on the significance of the turkey in Indigenous culture and traditions, as well as the importance of the bird to the natural ecosystem of the region.
The turkey is a bird that has been revered by Indigenous communities for centuries. It has played a significant role in their culture and traditions, from its use in ceremonies and rituals to its importance as a source of food and clothing. The turkey has also been an important part of the natural ecosystem of the Northeast, where it has helped to maintain the balance of the environment by controlling insect populations.
Through "The Tale of the Turkey's Detailed Tail," readers are introduced to the Cohanzick Indigenous people and their unique history and traditions. The book offers an important perspective on the history of the Northeast that is often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
By bringing attention to the importance of the turkey in Indigenous culture and the natural ecosystem, "The Tale of the Turkey's Detailed Tail" highlights the need for greater awareness and appreciation of Indigenous contributions to the region. It offers readers an opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of the Cohanzick Indigenous people, and to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving the natural environment and its inhabitants. https://amzn.to/3NEcWv2
The Grouse is another bird species that has been an important part of Indigenous culture in the Northeast. The bird's feathers were often used in traditional clothing and headdresses, and its meat was a valuable source of protein.
The Eagle, Owl, and Hawk are birds of prey that have always held a special place in Indigenous culture. These majestic birds are revered for their strength and hunting prowess and are used as symbols in Indigenous art and storytelling.
Today, these bird species and many others in the Northeast face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. This is a cause for concern for Indigenous communities who have relied on these birds for generations for both cultural and practical reasons.
It is essential to recognize the value of these bird species and take action to protect their habitats and ensure their survival. The knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous communities can provide valuable insights into achieving this goal while promoting a healthier environment for all living beings.
Several bird species were present in the Northeast region of North America before the European incursion. Some of these birds include:

• Passenger Pigeon
• Carolina Parakeet
• Ivory-billed Woodpecker
• Heath Hen
• Labrador Duck
• Eskimo Curlew
• Great Auk
• Bachman's Warbler
• Kirtland's Warbler
• Prairie Chicken

These bird species were an essential part of the natural ecosystem of the Northeast and played a significant role in the culture and traditions of Indigenous communities. Unfortunately, many of these bird species have been extirpated or driven to extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and other factors related to human activity.
The loss of these bird species has had a profound impact on both the natural environment and the cultural heritage of the Northeast. Efforts are underway to restore and protect the habitats of remaining bird species in the region, including those listed as threatened or endangered. These efforts involve collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and Indigenous communities to promote ecological balance, preserve traditional knowledge, and honor the legacy of the original birds of the Northeast.
Several bird species are currently listed as endangered or threatened in the Northeast region of North America. Some of these bird species include:

• Piping Plover
• Red Knot
• Roseate Tern
• Saltmarsh Sparrow
• Golden-winged Warbler
• Cerulean Warbler
• Kirtland's Warbler
• Canada Warbler
• Bicknell's Thrush
• Spruce Grouse
• Sharp-tailed Grouse
• Short-eared Owl
• Northern Goshawk
• Bald Eagle
• Peregrine Falcon
• Purple Martin

These bird species face threats from habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and other factors related to human activity. Efforts are underway to protect and restore the habitats of these birds, promote their conservation, and ensure their survival. These efforts involve collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and Indigenous communities to promote ecological balance, preserve traditional knowledge, and honor the legacy of the original birds of the Northeast.
Here is a summary of issues you can be aware of to help reverse the problems of bird depopulation.
Water pollution, for example, can devastate bird populations that rely on wetlands and freshwater ecosystems for food and shelter. Pesticides and fertilizers used in agricultural practices contaminate water sources, leading to toxic algal blooms that harm bird populations. Similarly, oil spills and other forms of industrial pollution destroy important bird habitats and cause long-term harm to bird populations.
Air pollution is another major threat to birds, especially in urban areas where high pollution levels can cause respiratory problems, impaired vision, and weakened immune systems. Several bird species rely on their keen sense of smell to navigate and find food, but air pollution interferes with these sensory abilities, making it difficult for birds to survive.
Land pollution also poses a significant threat to birds, destroying habitats and poisoning food sources. Plastic pollution, for example, is deadly for birds that mistake it for food or become entangled in it. Habitat destruction caused by deforestation, farming, and other forms of land use change also devastates bird populations.
Birds are not just passive victims of pollution and environmental degradation; they also warn our Indigenous people of the dangers we face from our actions. As the natural world is interconnected, the health of bird populations is a critical indicator of the overall health of our planet. By listening to the warnings of the birds, we can learn to live more sustainably and responsibly and work towards a healthier future for all living beings. Our Indigenous communities must work together to protect these critical creatures. By reducing pollution and protecting natural habitats, we can ensure that birds continue to play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and sustaining our planet for generations.
​Happy Bird Day!

National Brother and Sisters Day is celebrated every year on May 2nd to honor the bond between siblings and the importance of family. While the concept of siblings may be limited to those who share the same biological parents, our Indigenous communities view the concept of brotherhood and sisterhood in a much broader sense.
 
For our Indigenous people, the idea of family extends beyond blood relationships and includes the extended family concept. This means that people who are not necessarily related by blood can still be considered family based on their connection to the community and their spiritual bond. This explains why we have so many “Aunts and Uncles”!
 
In our Indigenous culture, we believe that all living things, including trees, rocks, water, air, and animals, are connected and related by the Creator. This interconnectedness means that we are all responsible for caring for and protecting each other, just as we would our biological siblings.
 
The extended family concept is often reflected in Indigenous languages, which often have different terms for different types of relationships. For example, in the Algonquin language, there are specific terms for different kinds of siblings, including older brother, younger brother, older sister, and younger sister. This reflects the importance of these relationships and each sibling's unique role within the family and the community.
 
The bond between siblings in Indigenous communities is often strengthened through ceremony and tradition. In our Indigenous communities, there is a ceremony where two people who are not related by blood become siblings by exchanging gifts and especially sharing food.
 
In our Indigenous culture, it is common to refer to elders and respected community members as aunt, uncle, or cousin, even if they are not blood-related. This practice reflects the importance of extended family and community in Indigenous cultures. It serves as a way of showing respect, oneness, and endearment towards those who have earned our admiration and trust.
 
The practice of calling elders aunt or uncle is often seen as a sign of respect and honor. It is a way of acknowledging the wisdom and experience that comes with age and recognizing elders' vital role in our communities. Using these familial terms to address elders, we express our gratitude and appreciation for their guidance, support, and leadership.
 
In addition to showing respect, using these familial terms is also a way of fostering a sense of oneness and community. By referring to someone as an aunt, uncle, or cousin, we acknowledge the interconnectedness between all members of our community. We reinforce the idea that we are all related and are responsible for caring for and supporting each other, just as we would our biological family members.
In my published book, "The Creator's Great Soup," there is a wonderful example of Indigenous storytelling that emphasizes the importance of our interconnectedness and our responsibility to care for each other and the world around us.
 
The book tells the story of how the Creator made a great soup with all the different ingredients of the world, including people, animals, trees, and rocks. The ingredients were all mixed together, creating a delicious and nourishing soup that sustained life on Earth. But the Creator warned that if any ingredient were ever taken out of the soup, the balance of the world would be upset.
 
This story highlights the importance of our interconnectedness and the fact that we are all related to each other and the world around us. It emphasizes the idea that every person, animal, tree, and rock is essential to the balance of the world and that we must all work together to care for each other and the earth.
 
"The Creator's Great Soup" is a powerful reminder of our responsibilities as stewards of the earth and the importance of treating each other with respect, kindness, and compassion. It is a beautiful example of Indigenous storytelling and a valuable resource for teaching young people about the importance of our relationships with each other and the natural world.
 
It is an honor to share this important work with the world and to use storytelling to remind us of our responsibilities to each other and the earth. Here is the book: https://amzn.to/3ANmj3Q
 
Finally, using Brother and Sister terms expresses endearment towards those who are important to us. By calling someone brother, sister, aunt, or uncle, we express our affection and love for them, even if we are not blood-related. This helps to create a sense of warmth and closeness in our communities, which is essential for building strong and resilient relationships.
 
As we celebrate National Brother and Sisters Day, let us remember the importance of family and how Indigenous communities have expanded the concept of family to include all living things. Let us also recognize the spiritual bond that we share with each other and the responsibility that we must care for and protect our siblings, both biological and non-biological.
 
https://www.tygouldjacinto.com

​In our Indigenous cultures, females are revered and honored as the givers of life, the nurturers of families and communities, and the carriers of knowledge and traditions. This honor is deeply symbolic of our Indigenous people's reverence for Mother Earth, who also embodies the power of creation, healing, and regeneration. We, Indigenous people, see the female body, soul, and spirit as interconnected and sacred and believe that the well-being of women is essential to the well-being of the entire community.
However, the ongoing epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, attempts to break this cycle of power and reverence by perpetrating violence and trauma upon Indigenous women and our communities. The loss of our women is a tragedy for our families and our entire Indigenous community, who feel the loss of our knowledge, wisdom, and contributions.
Despite the attempts to annihilate and destroy Indigenous peoples, we have remained resilient and strong. Indigenous people believe that the Creator will protect us and bring justice for the tears shed by the families of the lost women. We Indigenous communities have come together to raise awareness, demand justice, and honor the memories of our missing and murdered women.
Through ceremonies, art, and activism, we Indigenous people reclaim our power and stand up against the forces that seek to silence us. By cherishing and honoring our women, we Indigenous people are renewing our commitment to Mother Earth and the interconnectedness of all life. We are reaffirming our place in the world as stewards of the land and protectors of our people.
We must bring higher energy to finally stop the injustice of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women; we must raise awareness during the week of May 1st -7th, the National Week of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. By spreading the word through social media, community events, and conversations with friends and family, we can increase visibility and draw attention to this vital issue.
We can also support Indigenous-led organizations and initiatives that are working to address the root causes of this epidemic and provide resources and support for the families of missing and murdered women. By amplifying Indigenous people's and communities' voices, we can build momentum toward real change and hold those who perpetrate violence and trauma upon Indigenous women accountable.
As we bring light to the darkness of those who wrong women, we can create a world where all women are honored, cherished, and protected. Let us unite in solidarity and support Indigenous people as we resist, heal, and reclaim our power. Together, we can create a future where the spirits of the missing and murdered women can rise up in spirit with us, and our families can find the justice we deserve.
Changing the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women requires us to raise our power as one. By coming together in solidarity and recognizing the interconnectedness of all life, we can create a force for positive change. It is essential to listen to and amplify the voices of we Indigenous people impacted by this issue and let us lead the way towards justice.
We must share the stories of the missing and murdered Indigenous women to keep the conversation going and increase awareness about the scale of this problem. Through storytelling and education, we can create empathy and understanding for the pain and suffering experienced by our Indigenous communities.
We must also hold those accountable who perpetrate violence and trauma upon Indigenous women. This includes advocating for better laws, policies, and resources to prevent violence against women and demanding accountability for those who have already caused harm.
It is essential to keep the conversation going until justice is made for the missing and murdered Indigenous women. We must stay engaged, remain vigilant, and continue to advocate for change until this issue is fully addressed. Together, we can create a future where all women are honored, cherished, and protected, and the spirits of the missing and murdered women can rise up in solidarity.
Here is a site to support: https://www.niwrc.org/