The map allegory throughout the poem is weaved into the message so aptly and beautifully.

The use of a single line stanza magnifies the impact of the idea that they were stripped of the land, the resources, the connections--everything--by the colonizers. It makes me as a reader feel their pain and helplessness.

It is so valuable and essential to consider the differing perspectives and accounts of the same event, as it gives us more insight on the real truth and biases, especially when it is commonly known that history is written by victors (colonists, in this case).

I really enjoy how however detailed the story becomes, it always refocuses back to the earth, which emphasizes the significance of land and rootedness in Native American culture.

It is interesting how the Native American lifestyle is compared to the French, but only such that the French remain superior. The fact that Native Americans' lives did not align with French values deemed the Native Americans as "foolish" and "bad philosophers". This emphasizes the ignorance and strong mindset that the westernized way of living is always 'correct' and better.

This last line is very powerful. It affirms the rootedness of Native Americans in Californian lands as their beliefs and myths themselves were centered around the mundane things that were "the body, the village, the earth".

Often rare to find myths resemble more human, tangible features that we can relate to more.

I really love the idea of just "going to be." Like others have touched upon, this creation story is distinct from others I know about in that its intentions are plain and simple: they want the people to live freely and happily--as compared to having to earn happiness and basic necessities like food via strict customs and/or values.

This is so eerie. I cannot even imagine the degree of demoralization and pain Native Americans must have felt when they learn of such incidences where their ancestors' remains are resurfaced because an uneducated or ignorant group prioritized their own luxury over respecting the dignity of ancient burial grounds.

Representation is the first step in respect and inclusivity of all cultures and groups equally.

Quite ironic how the very culture and people that they disrespect is now repurposed and utilized to create a 'unique' and 'Native American-inspired' home.

The ignorance appears to be so evident when such a great sum of money was spent on a luxury that benefits a single person over allocating funds for minimal asks that UCSD students and staff fight for: research funds, better parking infrastructure, affordable food, etc, for instance.

It is actually so unbelievable to me that the most basic responsibility to be taken when storing artifacts was not taken.

This is so frustrating that something as simple as keeping a record was not done for these artifacts. I can't imagine the scale to which Native Americans feel disregarded when the discrimination is deeply institutionalized.

The neglect of proper labeling and categorization seems to only further prove the lack of respect for these artifacts, almost as though their preservation was a waste of time to the officials.

This is so important, especially in light of the current oppression and eradication of Native American people, as stories evidently provide a valuable avenue to revive and educate about Native American culture to the Natives as well as people in general.

Oral tradition appears to be what the Native American community survives on, so it seems like it is crucial part of what it takes to preserve their identity.

It is quite reassuring to have established texts that seem to empathize and understand a student's perspective, which is currently rare to find in many contexts.

Rejecting the commonly accepted ideas of academic learning in the beginning of the text itself is a strong tactic that immediately engaged me as a reader!