For Native American Writers, Protest Is a Constant: The Strike Is ‘An Average Tuesday For Us’

variety.com:

Selome Hailu The Native American and Indigenous Writers committee is “one of the smallest committees in the Writers Guild, but [with] one of the loudest voices ever” according to its vice chair Aiko Little — which was evidenced by the turnout of some 100 picketers who joined the NAIWC for a strike event in front of Walt Disney Studios on Wednesday.

The NAIWC’s Disney picket was the most recent of a string of of WGA strike events over the past several weeks that have gathered writers from specific marginalized backgrounds — Trans Takeover Thursday, for example — to highlight how current working conditions are affecting them while celebrating storytellers from their communities.

After a land acknowledgement carried out by a SAG-AFTRA member protesting in solidarity with the WGA, the NAIWC introduced two performances: Eric Michael Hernandez, a world champion hoop dancer, as well as the Southern California Bird Singers. “One of the reasons we’re fighting is for the right to tell our stories,” said “Rutherford Falls” showrunner Sierra Teller Ornelas while introducing the performances. “Just remember, as you’re entertained by what you’re seeing, that this is also us as storytellers.

We need to be heard.”dispatches from the writers strike: hoop dancer Eric Michael Hernandez and the Southern California Bird Singers perform at the Native American and Indigenous Writers Committee’s disney picket today pic.twitter.com/g4gOGnb5J0 The writers strike has now entered its sixth week, but Little says that Indigenous WGA members don’t find it difficult to remain energized — protest has long been a way of life for them. “I and my community can attest to this: This is an average Tuesday for us.