Reactions Throughout the Native Community On Orlando Shooting

Posted By Toyacoyah Brown June 14th, 2016 Last Updated on: June 14th, 2016

I know a lot of us are still processing the horrific mass shooting that occurred over the weekend in Orlando, Florida. A gunman walked into a gay nightclub there and killed 49 innocent people. What was just another night of going out, dancing and celebrating with friends and loves ones turned tragic.

In times like these I know we turn towards each other and social media to make any sense of this mess and look for hope and comfort. I know my newsfeed was definitely filled with messages of love from all over the world, including my friends in the LGBTQ community. Here are just a few I read from those in the Native community

Sterlin Harjo:

Charlie Ballard:

Sarah Sunshine Manning

Dallas Goldtooth:

And I know a lot of media outlets were saying this was the largest mass shooting in U.S. history. A lot of Natives were quick to point out other incidents in our history including Wounded Knee where there were more casualties. A lot also were quick to say this was not the time to try and compare our tragedies.

Jason Braveheart

David Livingston:

Matt Remle:

It's dumbfounding to me that someone with so much hate in their heart could do this to innocent people. We need more love in this world, not hate. Let's celebrate our differences, not tear each other down.

I'll leave you with this beautiful speech from Lin-Manuel Miranda's 2016 Tony's acceptance speech.