Aiyana Awiakta

Anacostans

Washington, D.C.

In a powerful display of heritage and activism, Aiyana Awiakta, a proud member of the Anacostans tribe, stood among the sea of voices at the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington on Saturday. With the historic ground of her ancestors beneath her feet, Awiakta’s presence added a resounding tribal perspective to a collective call for change.

The Anacostans, whose ancestral land now lies beneath the modern landscape of the District of Columbia, have long been tied to the rhythms of this region. Awiakta’s participation in the march was both a homage to her heritage and a testament to her determination to address the contemporary challenges facing her community.

When asked to describe the “American Nightmare” she was referring to in her poster, Awiakta responded: “The American Nightmare is the legacy of forgotten promises and the struggle that continues to haunt our communities. It’s a stark reality that our lands were once abundant with life and resources, and yet poverty and unemployment persist. The rise in poverty and unemployment threatens the very fabric of our community.”

– Alyssa Mark