Mona Polacca
Encyclopedia
Mona Polacca is a Native American
spiritual elder from Arizona
. She has worked to further social justice for indigenous people from an early age. She is an author in the field of social sciences, has held posts of responsibility as Treasurer for her tribe and served on several committees for Indigenous Peoples within the United Nations
.
In recent years, due to her continued extensive work as an indigenous elder stateswoman, Mona has gained international recognition for her work as one of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers
- a group of spiritual elders, medicine women
and wisdom keepers since its founding in 2004.
. These thirteen Grandmothers are internationally known Keepers of Wisdom, Medicine Women and Shaman and come from all four directions of the world. Grandmother Mona is the youngest of the 13 Grandmothers
The Council has been active in protecting indigenous rights and medicines, promoting ancient wisdom. The Grandmothers have also petitioned the Roman Catholic Church
to revoke a 15th Century Papal bull
and related edict
s which brought about a culture of 'rape and run' culture when new lands have been discovered. The Grandmothers have visited the Vatican City in order to hand-deliver their request. However, these medieval decrees still yet to be revoked.
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
spiritual elder from Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
. She has worked to further social justice for indigenous people from an early age. She is an author in the field of social sciences, has held posts of responsibility as Treasurer for her tribe and served on several committees for Indigenous Peoples within the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
.
In recent years, due to her continued extensive work as an indigenous elder stateswoman, Mona has gained international recognition for her work as one of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers
International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers
The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers is a group of Spiritual Elders who came together in 2004 to form an international alliance of indigenous female elders...
- a group of spiritual elders, medicine women
Medicine man
"Medicine man" or "Medicine woman" are English terms used to describe traditional healers and spiritual leaders among Native American and other indigenous or aboriginal peoples...
and wisdom keepers since its founding in 2004.
Early years
Mona became interested in indigenous social justice at the age of 14 when she first heard about the occupation of Alcatraz Island by a Native American group called Indians of All Tribes in 1969. Although Mona was only 14 years old she wanted to visit the island and was allowed to do so by her parents.Social Justice work
Mona has held many positions relating to social justice including.- Serving as a U.S. delegate at the Indigenous Women's Inter-Continental Meeting in Lima, Peru
- Serving on United Nations committees on indigenous people's issues. However, Mona has noted that although a draft on Indigenous Human Rights has been created, the draft has never been approved or adopted. Mona wishes for the draft to be brought back and considered by the General Assembly.
- On the Board of Directors of Youth Advocate Programs Inc. In her work, Mona helps to "create opportunities to help them develop positive self identity."
The International Council of 13 Grandmothers
In 2004, Mona was approached by The Center for Sacred Studies to serve on the International Council of 13 Indigenous GrandmothersInternational Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers
The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers is a group of Spiritual Elders who came together in 2004 to form an international alliance of indigenous female elders...
. These thirteen Grandmothers are internationally known Keepers of Wisdom, Medicine Women and Shaman and come from all four directions of the world. Grandmother Mona is the youngest of the 13 Grandmothers
The Council has been active in protecting indigenous rights and medicines, promoting ancient wisdom. The Grandmothers have also petitioned the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
to revoke a 15th Century Papal bull
Papal bull
A Papal bull is a particular type of letters patent or charter issued by a Pope of the Catholic Church. It is named after the bulla that was appended to the end in order to authenticate it....
and related edict
Edict
An edict is an announcement of a law, often associated with monarchism. The Pope and various micronational leaders are currently the only persons who still issue edicts.-Notable edicts:...
s which brought about a culture of 'rape and run' culture when new lands have been discovered. The Grandmothers have visited the Vatican City in order to hand-deliver their request. However, these medieval decrees still yet to be revoked.
External links
- International Council of 13 of Indigenous Grandmothers Official Website
- Official website for documentary
- For The Next Seven Generations Film Trailer
- The Center for Sacred Studies
- Statement of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers
- Washington Post article written by Mona Polacca on Grandmothers' visit to petition Pope
- Turtle Island Project website
- Chapter on domestic violence written by Mona