'Despite the conflict I feel with my skin, I also understand the responsibility and privilege that comes with it.'
instead of honoring our own traditional structures. By forcing us to take on the values of our colonizers, we were denied the ideas of Indigenous beauty. And over time, these ideas and labels have grown into a new identity, and the violence still resonates in our communities.
Labels are still imposed on me by my own people, other Native communities, and non-Natives. I hear the voices that say, “You don’t look Native” and “Why is this white girl representing Natives? Get a real Native in here.” I’ve gotten looks of disgust, hatred, and confusion, but I can’t hate people for that. I get why they’re mad and confused. I am literally the embodiment of the colonizer vs. Indigenous struggle. That’s the truth. And so I choose to ignore labels and practice self-determination.
If I could share with readers on how they can be supportive of me and my community, I would ask that you please stop with the savior complex. We don’t need a Western education to consider ourselves “civilized.” We do not need to be saved from “extinction.” Instead, believe in our right to self-determination — and acknowledge that only the people within our communities can face and solve our issues. Know your rights and unwritten history.
Despite the conflict I feel with my skin, I also understand the responsibility and privilege that comes with it. I’m proud to share just how truly diverse the Indigenous experience is as well as bring attention to Indigenous issues. I hope to help Indigenous youth love their bodies despite what people may say. I want our youth to fight for self-determination and stand for who they are in this world. And to know that loving yourself as an Indigenous person is an act of resistance.
*In accordance with the Lakota ways of living, we carry ourselves with respect and humility. I practice this by not speaking for people or in front of elders who have the right to speak before me.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How PBS's Molly of Denali Strives to Keep Native Culture Alive and Vibrant.AmyTVGal spoke with the MollyOfDenali EP on how the PBS series highlights the importance of indigenous characters and actors.
Read more »
Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny & More Stars Support Puerto Rico ProtestRicky Martin, Bad Bunny, Lin-Manuel Miranda and more stars speak out in support of PuertoRicoMarcha.
Read more »
Hawaiian protesters seek to block telescope project but state vows to proceedHawaii vows to proceed with controversial telescope project despite protests. More here:
Read more »
Woman was so excited she beat cancer that she broke the 'cancer-free' bellWhen Darla Jaye rang the 'cancer free' bell on her last day of treatment, she was bursting with joy -- and proved just how strong she is now. She rang it so forcefully, the clapper flew right off.
Read more »
69-year-old woman missing after hiking in California's Mojave Desert with her husbandBarbara Thomas was last seen wearing a black bikini, red baseball cap and hiking boots as she and her husband were in California's Mojave Desert.
Read more »
Congolese cross-border trader's Ebola death fuels Uganda outbreak fearsA Congolese woman who died of Ebola this month vomited four times in a Ugandan m...
Read more »