We Pagans often like to think of ourselves as a minority religion, ignored and disregarded by mainstream culture. But we're far from the group striving for equality and representation. This week for Fiery Tuesday we take a look at America's first underprivileged group: the American Indians / Native Americans, who've struggled for centuries against colonialism and exploitation. Read on to hear about some of the most relevant issues affecting natives today, from protecting their rights to their ancient traditions to how they're represented in the U.S. Census. All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!
First up, Southwest Photo Journal shares a story of native resistance to environmental exploitation. In Arizona the Apache are fighting to prevent the British mining company Resolution from collapsing a sacred mountain to mine the area for copper. Follow the link to read more.
How does one define one's own race? One of the fastest growing groups in the United States are "multiracial Americans," people who define themselves by their multiple heritages, and Americans with a mix of American Indian and White heritage make up a significant proportion of this group. You can read more about these multiracial Americans and how they define themselves in relation to both sides of their heritage at Pew Research.
Since his election, Pope Francis has attracted a lot of attention for his views on poverty, homosexuality, and interfaith relations. But what about climate change? Based on recent reports it appears that Pope Francis may be making global warming one of his principal focuses as head of the Catholic Church and, according to The Huffington Post, it could be a major game changer.
In the West, Christians are by far the dominant religion without peer. But in other parts of the world, that isn't always the case. This article from The Guardian takes a look at the Christian ethnoreligious minorities of the Middle East, who are among several groups under threat by the violent organization known as ISIL.
How far does the reach of "religious freedom" extend? Does it apply only to majority religions or can it be used to empower minority religions as well? The Christian Science Monitor takes a look at one case, where a native student in California won the right to wear an eagle feather to his high school graduation.