Roots of Democracy by Aditi Singh Democracy is often viewed as a Western, European concept, tracing back to ancient Athens. But if we look deeper, we find that the roots of democratic governance reach far beyond Europe, into the forests and river valleys of North America where indigenous democratic systems were thriving. Among the most notable were the Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy, and the Huron-Wendat people. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy was a powerful alliance of five nations—Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca—later joined by the Tuscarora. 1 Before European contact, they occupied territory across what is now New York State and Ontario. Their political union is widely recognized as one of the oldest participatory governance systems in the world. Meanwhile, the Huron-Wendat lived further north in southern Ontario. 2 Closely related to the Iroquois in language and culture, they also followed a matrilineal, clan-based system, but it is important t...
The Cost of Burn Pits, Part Two: Healthcare for Veterans by Marisa De La Villa On the battlefield, soldiers are trained to identify any outward threats, whether that be enemy combatants or incoming fire– they should be able to recognize them with no problem. But, what happens when the biggest threat to their health and safety comes from right under their noses? The thick, toxic smoke that came from the massive burn pits used in the wars in the Middle East exposed thousands of veterans to life-threatening illnesses and chronic health issues that still affect them today. 1 After years of being silenced and this struggle going almost unnoticed, the true cost of burn pits is finally gaining attention throughout the world. With advocacy groups and affected veterans fighting for recognition, proper medical care, and overall accountability, people are finally understanding the dangers posed through this practice of using burn pits on foreign and wartorn ground. 2 The impact ...