Issue #18
“Of The Land”

Welcome to our annual Native American Heritage Month issue, Of The Land!

Indigenous folklore is not new to the horror genre. We see, in abundance, adaptations of wendigos and skinwalkers. Horror has used these Native American legends freely but not always with the intention of honoring the context or the people behind the histories. Indigenous creators, who should be given more opportunities to lead these conversations, are still fighting for recognition. 

There has been a shift within the genre, but we need to further recognize where our shortcomings lie to actively create and uplift platforms that celebrate Native American heritage, traditions, and histories. Horror’s existence has been rooted in breaking down barriers purposefully built around the genre. Horror is an evolving genre that welcomes commentary on societal constructs, but it’s an ongoing, uphill battle. The horror community needs to be active in  seeking out Indigenous horror writers, supporting Indigenous publishers, and recognizing that Indigenous horror doesn’t exist as a mythos to build whatever narrative seems to fit. This ancestral wealth of storytelling traditions predates our own westernized interpretations. 

Not enough news outlets are bringing adequate attention to the Alaskan floods. The aftermath is greatly impacting Indigenous communities–communities that have cared for these lands for thousands of years. Homes have been destroyed, and ancestral lands are being washed away. These communities have already faced the hardships of limited aid and are now bearing the weight of a climate crisis. I want this month’s articles to highlight just how Indigenous voices in horror have reclaimed their stories through creativity, survival, and resilience, and I hope you can join us in bringing attention to this crisis and providing aid where possible to Alaskans at this time.

Aid Resources:

• Alaska Community Foundation – Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund

• Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) Flood Assistance

• Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) Disaster Support

• Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Emergency Assistance

• Airlink + World Central Kitchen + Alaska Airlines Relief Partnership

• Consider ongoing support of Indigenous-led climate organizations

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being here with us this November!
Elli Wade