November RSJ Spotlight | Tamika LaMere

Racial & Social Justice Spotlight Series

Each month, our Equity Coordinator sits down with an organization or individual in our community to spotlight the work they do to create real and lasting change for a more equitable Spokane.

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November Spotlight

_{Tamika & Lara at YWCA’s 120th birthday celebration & annual meeting last April.}

Tamika LaMere | Native Educator, Spokane Public Schools

The first time I met Tamika in the summer of 2022, it felt like we already knew each other. She was honest in how her mind was elsewhere that day and despite her being in an unsettled mood, her aura to me was calming. I had such an appreciation for how she shows up in spaces right off the bat.

Fast forward almost two years later to mid-November when we were supposed to record this (already late) spotlight. We’re tired and feeling that end of year chaotic slump when everything and nothing is a priority. Neither of us can focus on much. So, we just sit and talk, mostly about how exhausting it is to navigate the world as women of color.

Tamika is a member of the Anishinaabe & Nehiyaw (or Cree) tribes of the Great Lakes region of both Canada and the US. Having moved to Spokane as a teen, finishing college in California, and then returning as an adult, she’s been able to see the city’s progress, and where it still needs to grow.

Within the Native Education program at Spokane Public Schools, she and her team work hard to distinguish the cultures that make up the different tribal nations to keep from perpetuating stereotypes. She also recognizes the urban-dwelling Native Americans that may not be as connected to their Native cultures. To foster a deeper connection of a student’s tribal roots, the program uses culturally responsive practices and opportunities, such as drumming, cooking, and beadwork. The program also provides pathways to success by collaborating with area colleges and programs working with Native American students graduating from high school, college and GED programs, and making sure higher education resources are available for middle school students.

“We talk about equity and diversity that lies in our people as distinct tribal nations: our language, our style of dress, the food we eat – all the things that make us feel distinct – so that we don’t perpetuate those stereotypes.” – Tamika LaMere

Since the start of this year, Tamika has been my co-facilitator of the YW Spokane’s Racial and Social Justice Learning Community. The group meets monthly to create intentional space that promotes awareness of subconscious thoughts and attitudes that affect our perceptions about people, the decisions we make, and our impact on our community.

Through my partnership with Tamika, we are able to foster connection within the learning community that allows members to think critically about complex issues surrounding racial and social justice and systems of oppression. It’s a worthwhile process that deserves intentionality and respect, and Tamika has been the ideal person to partner with me to do this work. We are able to create a space together that allows this group to engage in meaningful conversations, build trust each other, and be vulnerable with each other. This cohort provides an opportunity to push back on a societal tendency to embrace white supremacy characteristics that don’t serve us.

As my first opportunity leading any kind of cohort, I only feel as confident as I do because I am able to work alongside a Native and Black woman that doesn’t shy away from harder conversations or who she is. In the work that we do, and in Spokane especially, it’s incredibly important to know someone like Tamika. To her, equity is not just a pursuit but a responsibility that she does not take lightly. Not only does she bring lived experiences and a deep understanding of the challenges BIPOC communities face, she’s also able to foster connection and build community. Her authenticity and honesty sets the tone for deeper conversations to happen.

Each year, YWCA Spokane holds a public meeting to gather with the community and reflect on achievements made over the past year. At our 120th birthday celebration this past April, it was an honor to acknowledge and show appreciation to Tamika for the work she is doing within our RSJ Learning Community. We are grateful to Tamika for the many ways in which she shows up for our community.

YWCA Spokane’s Racial & Social Justice (RSJ) Learning Community accepts new members each June. This group meets monthly to discuss and address annual goals. In addition, subcommittees meet as needed to achieve specific objectives in relation to racial and social justice events, campaigns, activities, and objectives. Learn more here.

CHECK OUT PAST SPOTLIGHTS

• JANUARY | 2023 Washington Legislative Session
• FEBRUARY | If You Could Save Just One
• MARCH | Latrice Williams
• APRIL | Tracy Poindexter-Canton
• MAY | Naghmana Sherazi
• JUNE | Mujeres in Action
• JULY | INDEx
• AUGUST | Olivia Evans
• SEPTEMBER | Justice Forral
• OCTOBER | Inga N. Laurent

Find past RSJ Spotlights here. If you or someone you know should have their advocacy work highlighted through our RSJ Spotlight series, please email equity@ywcaspokane.org.