Inspired by Ada R. Habershon’s 1907 hymn and the Indigenous tradition of the sharing circle, this edition will explore the circle as a symbol of wholeness, resilience, and community. A circle reminds us that:

“In a circle, we are all equal. No one in front, no one behind. No one above, no one below. Sharing circles promote equality, trust, respect, honesty, dialogue, decision-making, and a true sense of community.”
(Source: Pass The Feather | Dawn Iehstoseranón:nha | Kanien’kehá:ka)

As the Earth completes its daily and yearly cycles, the unbrokenness of the circle sustains life itself. Yet here in America, the circle of health equity remains fractured. Marginalized communities—particularly communities of color—continue to experience disproportionate challenges in access to care and wellness.

November marks National Native American Heritage Month (NAHM). As we enter into the season of Thanksgiving, the story of First Nations peoples that brought survival and healing to those first European immigrants must never be forgotten. With our annual Health and Wellness Edition, Three-Fifths Magazine takes time to honor Native traditions by “passing the feather” in a sharing circle of ideas for closing America’s Health and Wellness gap. Together, through articles, essays, and reflections, we not only aim to acknowledge disparities but to envision solutions that restore balance, strengthen equity, and bring wholeness.

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