As a Native American from the Monacan tribe in Virginia, the value of Protect Dissent resonates deeply with me. My grandmother and her mother before her endured incredible hardships throughout their lives. They were silenced, marginalized, and stripped of their voices simply because of their heritage. Their experiences remind me of the immense power and importance of dissent—of standing up, speaking out, and fighting for the right to exist and be heard, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
For much of history, Native Americans were denied the ability to express themselves freely. My great-grandmother’s generation lived through an era when the government sought to erase Indigenous cultures through forced assimilation, boarding schools, and systemic oppression. Speaking the Monacan language, practicing our traditions, or even identifying as Native was met with harsh punishment. Their dissent—their refusal to disappear—was seen as a threat to those in power. Yet it was this very dissent that ensured the survival of our culture, our history, and our identity.
The First Amendment’s protection of dissent is not just theoretical; it is a lifeline for those who have historically been silenced. It is a reminder that every voice, no matter how small or unpopular, deserves to be heard.
The value of Protect Dissent is inseparable from Native history. For centuries, Indigenous peoples across America have fought against the systemic erasure of their cultures and communities. Even now, Native voices are often drowned out in mainstream conversations. Yet platforms like social media have become a modern tool for dissent, allowing tribes like the Monacan people to share their stories, advocate for land rights, and educate others about our history.
One example that comes to mind is the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The protests at Standing Rock, which drew global attention in 2016, showcased how dissent can spark a movement. Indigenous leaders and allies stood together, using their voices to protest the environmental and cultural harm posed by the pipeline. The movement gained traction through social media platforms, amplifying their message and drawing widespread support. Despite the challenges, the protests were a powerful reminder that dissent can create real change—even when it faces enormous resistance.
While Protect Dissent resonates most with me, the Marketplace of Ideas also feels incredibly important. My grandmother often spoke about the value of sharing stories—not just within our tribe, but with others outside of it. She believed that understanding could only come from dialogue, from a willingness to listen and learn from one another.
Today, social media platforms serve as a digital marketplace of ideas, where people from all backgrounds can share their stories. For the Monacan people, this has meant creating spaces where we can share our history, educate others about our traditions, and push back against harmful stereotypes. While these platforms are not perfect—misinformation and hate still exist—they have given us a powerful tool to assert our identity and challenge misconceptions.
For example, the Monacan Nation has used its online presence to advocate for the preservation of sacred sites, like Rassawek, our historic capital. Developers once sought to build over this site, threatening its cultural and historical significance. Through online campaigns and public advocacy, the Monacan people were able to share the importance of Rassawek with a broader audience, ultimately leading to the site’s protection. This is the marketplace of ideas in action—a space where truth and understanding can prevail when allowed to grapple with opposing views.
The Eight Values of Free Expression are the foundation of our ability to speak, act, and live freely. For me Protect Dissent and the Marketplace of Ideas are the most personal and powerful. They remind me of my grandmother’s resilience, of the struggles and triumphs of the Monacan people, and of the ongoing fight for justice and recognition.
Through these values, I see a future where the voices of Indigenous people are not only heard but celebrated. A future where dissent is recognized as a vital force for change, where ideas are allowed to thrive, and where tolerance and understanding replace ignorance. As a member of the Monacan tribe, I carry this vision forward, knowing that the freedoms we have today were hard-won by those who came before us.
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