Businesses vandalized, statues torn down, people rioting against the government. All that and more is what led into the Colonies seceding from the British Empire. Today, we celebrate the day the declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776. What we fail to speak about is the Indigenous people of this land who already had their independence and the quick rise to their genocide and seizing of sacred land.

I sat down with Carrizo Comecrudo tribal chairman Juan Mancias and the tribal secretary, Christa Mancias. They took the time to talk about the struggles of indigenous peoples of the land. The history of native people and the fight that is still happening to this day.

The music is by  Dakota Sioux musician, political activist, and actor Floyd Red Crow Westerman. Also known as Kanghi Duta.