Apihtawikosisan - Both Halves Matter
This week’s topic is: How do we approach the concept of identity in a digital and networked world?
While researching this topic, I began contemplating the idea of 'the norm' and those who either don't fit into it or choose not to conform. We all seek representation in the media that reflects our own identity and I frequently hear my Indigenous students expressing that the media is “for white people." The representation of Indigenous peoples is not only inadequate but often portrays them in a limited manner, typically through "angry" activism or not in a light of their choosing.
As a result, I adjusted the initial topic to focus on how we address the concept of identity for Indigenous people within the digital and networked world.
Symbol for Metis Key Findings:
There are a minimal amount of resources online that discuss the online identity, resources, or representation of true Indigenous identity and perspectives.
In order to understand the current negative representations and views of Indigenous Peoples we must first understand the true histories of our country and Indigenous culture in order to move forward in a positive motion.
We need to decolonize the digital world and allow Indigenous peoples to use their own voices to tell their truths and histories so that we can better understand them from people who have lived them ad the effects they’ve left behind.
Role of Educators
As educators and leaders, we have the power and platform to present accurate knowledge. We don’t NEED to do it alone or spend days scouring textbooks to make sure we’ve learned every morsel of information on the topic. We just need to make sure that we give a platform to Indigenous Voices. Let them tell their own stories. Bring in elders, storytellers, and knowledge keepers to share knowledge on topics you’re covering. Search for texts that are typed, recorded, or written by indigenous peoples. Work with other colleagues who are Indigenous or may know that information.
Chelsea Vowel - Metis Woman, author, lawyer, professor of Cree LanguageProposed Reading
This is what I'm offering today. The article I've selected for this topic is a blog post authored by Chelsea Vowel, a Metis woman originally from Lac Ste. Anne, resides in Edmonton, Alberta. Chelsea is a lawyer and a Cree Language instructor at the University of Alberta.Chelsea initiated a blog named "apihtawikosisan" (pronounced ah-pih-du-wi-GO-se-sahn), a term denoting Metis people as "half-son." Initially, she didn't anticipate the blog to become more than a creative and humorous outlet for her Indigeneity, but it rapidly gained popularity.
Reason for this Selection
The chosen article explores the naming of Indigenous Peoples and provides guidance on what terms to use or avoid. I've chosen it for several reasons:
1. For those with limited knowledge about Indigenous Peoples, I believe it serves as an excellent starting point.
2. It offers insights into Indigenous identity, and its online accessibility is a valuable asset.
3. It presents an Indigenous perspective, highlighting the importance of having histories narrated by those who have lived them, which Chelsea accomplishes on her blog.
4. I consider her entire blog a fantastic resource. By sharing this post, I hope you'll explore the rest of her blog and find it useful for future reference. I know that my students appreciate seeing individuals like themselves represented in a powerful way when I incorporate her blog into my classes.
Please note: Chelsea is known for her honesty and directness. I recommend pre-reading her articles before using them in your classes.
Annotation
The blog post, "A rose by any other name is mihkokwaniy" by Chelsea Vowel, offers valuable insights into the terminology that surrounds Indigenous peoples and emphasizes the importance of respectful language use. Vowel highlights the various and diverse forms of Indigenous identities and the evolution of terms used to describe them, emphasizing that names, like the ones given to us, are deeply connected to identity. She also draws attention to the fact that they can change over time as our society flexes and grows in knowledge. Her blog post encourages readers to be sensitive to the preferences of Indigenous individuals and communities, avoiding offensive terms, and being open to learning about the specific names and histories of the groups they interact with. Furthermore, it points to the need for deeper and ongoing awareness and respect in discussions about Indigenous identities and terminology. She iterates that this understanding is crucial in fostering positive relationships and promoting cultural sensitivity, as it acknowledges the unique nature of Indigenous communities while advocating for respectful and ever-evolving language to reflect diversity.
Slide Presentation on Online Indigeneity
Click to watch