I encourage you all to take some time to contemplate hard questions. JRPC remains committed to peace and is a safe site of powerful communication.

Here in Montana, many people note with pride how many generations of their family have lived in this state and nurtured a sense of belonging here. We are just beginning to understand the full costs of that belonging to the people who lived on and cared for this land before white Europeans arrived. As I watch the increasing violence in Israel and Palestine, there are similar themes of colonization, oppression and destruction.

It’s no secret to anyone who has spent time in our shop that a large portion of our fair trade inventory comes from India. As a result, I receive emails daily from several of our vendors, keeping us updated about their artisan partners. This morning I received one stating that India literally needs oxygen and other medical supplies to keep up the current COVID surge they are experiencing. 

Thirteen years ago, I made the first of three trips to Southeast Asia, and my family has hosted many students and young professionals over the years. I have also been fortunate to make many more friends through my connections with the Mike & Maureen Mansfield Center and the English Language Institute at UM – friends from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Philippines and Myanmar.