In this op-ed, Ruth Hopkins (Cankudutawin-Red Road Woman), a Dakota/Lakota Sioux writer, biologist, attorney, and former tribal judge, explains why red scarves should be worn as a show of solidarity at this year’s Women’s March events.

I am a native woman.

To my people, the Oceti Sakowin — the Great Sioux Nation of Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota — women are sacred and powerful beings. Women are the root, heart and the backbone of our communities. We are to be honored and respected. The Oceti Sakowin were even gifted the Way of the Pipe — the foundation of our belief system, whose smoke carries our prayers to Wakantanka (the Great Mystery) — and our seven sacred rites by a feminine deity, Pte San Win, or White Buffalo Calf Woman….[READ MORE]