Palestinians and Native Americans Connect at Indigenous Joy Festival

At Indigenous Joy Festival, Native Americans and Palestinians came together to celebrate their cultures. The festival, titled "From Turtle Island to Palestine," was a collaboration between advocacy groups Tri-Cities For Palestine and Reservation Roots.

"Our people lived on this land since the beginning of time," Yakima Nation member Zelda Winnier told us. Native Americans and Palestinians have found solidarity through their shared histories of colonial genocide.

Walid, a member of the Seattle Dabke dance troupe that came to Richland, WA, spoke with us about the importance of celebrating Palestinian culture in dire times. "When you think of Palestine... you just think of a war-torn country. But if you actually look... you will see Palestinians in Gaza doing dabke even with rubble behind them. They still bring joy."

Dabke is an Arab folk dance originating from countries including Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.