“You forced our cultures underground, underground/But you ain’t stopping no one now, no one now/We’re stronger and we know it now, know it now”

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Frank Waln released the infectious and epic song “7” featuring Tanaya Winder. “7” hits hard and doesn’t relent. In the time of the Seventh Generation with Indigenous movements spread across Turtle Island from Idle No More to the Sacred Stone Camp, to the efforts to abolish Columbus Day, “7” serves as its anthem.

In an interview with Fader Frank describes his song “7”

“This song is about not forgetting who we are and where we come from as indigenous people. Colonization attempted to, and continues to, destroy our cultures, languages, land, and everything that makes us indigenous. Our ceremonies and cultures were illegal under U.S. law from 1883-1978. In every indigenous community I visit, including my own home, I see young indigenous people speaking their language, singing their songs, and bringing back the ceremonies. I see language and cultural revitalization programs all throughout Indian Country. This is all despite the continued colonization of our homelands, communities and bodies.”

Photo by Chris Stearns

Posted by Wakíƞyaƞ Waánataƞ (Matt Remle- Lakota)

Matt Remle is an editor and writer for Last Real Indians and LRInspire. Follow @wakiyan7