E23: Connection Sustains Us and Forgiveness as Peacemaking: w/ Renee and Manny Iron Hawk

In this episode of the Beyond Listening Podcast, First Nations Leaders Renee and Manny Iron Hawk share stories around reconciliation, healing identity issues, and cycles of conflict.  They speak to the significance of righting the wrongs of violence, and acknowledging the genocide, historical trauma, and false narratives about indigenous people for healing nation-to-nation relations. From stories of pain and trauma, to the gift of Creator's love, and the power of forgiveness, Renee and Manny offer insights into the cultural gifts of the Lakota ways to regenerate and sustain our world. Renee and Manny were introduced to Miriam and Adam through the work of Zen Peacemakers International, Native American Plunge Renee L. Fasthorse-Iron Hawk My name is Renee L. Fasthorse-Iron Hawk, B.A. and my degree is in Human Services with a minor in Psychology. My Lakhóta name is Tokáhe hí húnni wín (Arrives First Woman) and I reside with my family in Red Scaffold, SD. My spouse and family support Lakhota culture and language revitalization. We therefore live the Lakhóta way to the best of our abilities in the dual society that we have today. I’ve worked as a K-6th grade Substance Abuse Counselor, a Home-based Therapist at Three River Mental Health facility, a Program Manager for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome social research from UNM, as Director of Tribal Victim Assistance for the Tribe, and as the Coordinator of the Native Woman's Society of the Great Plains, where we helped 19 tribal programs to end domestic and sexual violence against women in tribal communities on the northern plains. My partner Manny and I worked with a Lakota Language immersion school for three years, until the funding expired in 2020. Since the endeavor with this organization ended, we have been engaged with our four-legged relatives of the horse nation. We also continue to be committed to an endeavor that my spouse is a descendant of, which is the Wounded Knee massacre survivors (HAWK1890). Manny C. Iron Hawk My name is Manny C. Iron Hawk. I am an Ikce Wicasa/common man Lakota and a Lakota Language teacher for 15 years. My Lakota name is “ Thoka Ankansa”, meaning taking the path towards the enemy. I reside with my family here on Wakpa Waste/Cheyenne River reservation in South Dakota. My mother is Howozou and a descendant of the Wounded Knee Massacre 1890. Our Great-great Grandfather's name is Ghost Horse. My father is Oglala and my Great-great Grandfathers Little Bird/Zintkala Cikala and Iron Hawk/Chetan Maza (brothers) fought at the Battle of the Little Big Horn June 25, 1876. I (we) belong to the Maspegnaka and Uphan Gleska Thiospayes. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary education with a certification in Lakota Language, and a Master’s Degree in K-12 Administration. I have served the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in various capacities as Pte Caka/Buffalo Board, Policy board, Sioux YMCA Board of Directors, Police Commission, Housing Authority Board of Directors, Telephone Board of Directors, 911 Board of Directors, Farm Service Agency Board for Ziebach county, Hiring Board, Takini School Board, Battle of the little Big Horn Advisory Board, Tri-County Community Development Board and CRST District 2 Chairman. I recently administered a K-1st grade Lakota Immersion School, Horse therapy model, and Consultant for Lakota Language and Culture. Finally, I continue my mother’s legacy of serving on the Heartbeat at Wounded Knee (HAWK1890) massacre survivors descendant’s society on Wakpa Waste (Cheyenne River) reservation. It is my inspiration for being Ikce Wicasa, following Lakota Virtues, Natural Laws, Custom Laws, and Spiritual Laws. I continue to seek Happiness by overcoming life hardships.