Tag Archives: Indigenous Creators

Jessica Presta: Module 3, Post 2

This is Ilona Verley, she identifies as trans and two-spirit and is from the Nlaka’pamux Nation. She was born in Nanaimo but grew up on the Skuppah reserve near Lytton, as well as in Vancouver. She has been a vocal advocate for the community of Lytton BC when it was decimated by wildfires, urging the government to show up and support her community. She was also a participant on season 1 of Canada’s Drag Race. Like so many others, Ilona also experienced shame about her Indigenous heritage and felt the pressure to be white-passing in order to be successful. Despite having a supportive family and community, she also experienced shame as a result of her queerness. Verley is outspoken about how European colonialism introduced homophobia and rigid gender roles that didn’t previously exist in many Indigenous societies and how competing on Canada’s Drag Race gave her an opportunity to combat that narrative.

Jessica Presta: Module 3, Post 1

As my research focus for the final project has pivoted to looking at how Indigenous people identify and represent themselves online, some key questions had to be answered. First, my project-mate and I have to agree on a definition of identity, determining whether or not this is ascribed, prescribed or subscribed. Second, we need to situate our research in our respective places, looking at similarities and differences between Indigenous groups in British Columbia and Ontario.

As a starting place for my research, I began looking into what level of Indigenous representation exists online in my local context. Once I get a sense of how Indigenous people use social media to share their identities online, I can start to make inferences about how to interpret their definition of identity. Then I can take these inferences and so how they align with what is in the literature.

In my investigations, I came across some unique and inspiring Indigenous content creators who are sharing parts of their identity across platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. The first content creator I want to share is Owen Unruh.

He is a Vernon born, two-spirit, Nêhiyaw (Cree) with ties to the Driftpile First Nations. He was adopted and raised in Fort Nelson. Growing up he experienced immense shame as a result of his queerness and Indigenous identity. Due to this he turned to drugs and has struggled with addiction. Owen leverages social media platforms such as TikTok to share his journey with addiction recovery, reclaiming his identity and reconnecting with his cultural roots. His goal with sharing his story is to inspire other Indigenous youth to feel comfortable in their skin and to value sobriety.

@owen.unruh

I always think of what to say after the fact ???? #vancouver #toronto #fyp #addiction #native

♬ original sound – Owen Unruh

Module 2 – Post 4 – Musqueam Place Names Mapping Portal

Financially supported by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage Aboriginal Languages Initiatives, the Musqueam Place Names Mapping Portal is the public portion of Musqueam’s recorded Place Names. Data is made available by the Musqueam Indian Band. As you click on points of the map you are greeted with illustrations or historical photography of the place, and (if available) audio of the name spoken in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language. While browsing this online learning tool authored by Musqueam, I discovered:

  • A strong and clear disclaimer that the materials in this place names map is Musqueam Heritage, must be treated with respect, and no part of it can be transmitted, reproduced or stored in a retrieval system – so I have not included any images of this resource out of respect. 
  • There was a story lines section where you could follow a path of select place names in a purposeful order. The illustrations portrayed the cultural context of the places. For example, a gathering on Jericho beach with drumming, a potlatch, watching relatives arrive in canoes, etc.
  • Credit is given each artist, photographer, and audio clip.

I appreciate seeing another example of a learning tool that is Indigenous-developed. The intent on the opening page to state the digital boundaries we have as visitors interacting with the materials is an example of self-determination of an e-learning space.

The multimedia-based and interactive depiction of place names shows a holistic, multi-pronged approach to learning about the land, especially when relevant cultural traditions are included for context.

Indigenous Films & TV Series for Youth – M2 P2

Authentic film can be a really useful way to incorporate Indigenous voices in the classroom, especially as a settler educator who does not have any lived experience. Here are a few examples:

Maq and the Spirit of the Woods (2006)

This short brings to life the idea of Elders and Spirits. It’s the story of a young Mi’kmaq boy learning more about story, medicine and song. Created by Phyllis Grant who is a Mi’kmaq from the Pabineau First Nation.

 

Nunavut Animation Lab: Qalupalik (2010)

Another short that takes place near the Arctic Ocean and depicts a young boy, Angutii, who does not want to listen to his parents. Created my Ame Papatsie, an Inuk artist based in Pangnirtung, Nunavut.

 

Wapos Bay Series (2005-2011) 

A number of different topics are covered in each of these episodes and can be used to teach about Cree culture and honoring tradition. The series is also available in Cree and in French which could be useful for French immersion educators.

 

Although these examples could most definitely be used in a middle school setting, I find some of them to be a little bit young. It appears there are a decent amount of film resources available for younger students and for older students as well but few that hit the 13-15 year old ages.

 

 

Module 2 – Post 3: Coders North

Coders North is an educational charity that strongly emphasizes supporting youth from marginalized and at-risk communities. Coders North follows a mission “to empower as many youth as possible with the skills to help shape the web and digital world with content that reflects their values and passions.”

This website serves as an example of the importance for Indigenous peoples to have space and voice in our online spaces. The website features learning modules that are relevant to my final research project. This example dives into concepts such as Indigenization, Indigitization and Indigitalization. As well as concepts such as computational thinking and coding. Furthermore, the resource offers a lesson summary and interactive lessons. The website features a video library highlighting videos around the topics of “Indigenizing the Digital World,” “Indigenous Entrepreneurs,” “Indigitization,” and “Indigitalization and Coding.” The ideas within the video resources can be used within my research topic to highlight the importance of Indigenous representation and how it can be used to represent local Indigenous perspectives.

https://codersnorth.com/

 

Jessica Presta: Module 1, Post 2

For my second blog post, I wanted to share some of the small ways I try and incorporate Indigenous voices and representation in my daily life. Through the use of digital technologies and the advent of social media, I am able to expose and connect myself to Indigenous content creators, and they, are able to create content and share to a worldwide audience.

One content creator I love and follow is Cree, James Jones, and goes by the name Notorious Cree. He shares his journey of reconnecting with his own culture through traditional dance and uses his platform to encourage others to do the same and to find pride in who they are. James Jones has found a way to connect with his audience through orality, using videos which are educational, and include teachings about his dance and his culture. To view his works, click here.

Another content creator who I enjoy following to learn about their culture is Shina Novalinga. She is Inuk and is known for her TikTok videos where she throat sings with her mom as well as her activism. Her content ranges from educational material about Inuit culture to some of the challenges people in her community and other northern Indigenous communities face. To view her works, click here.

I genuinely feel that social media is in the hands of the creator, giving them a platform from which they can tell their stories without the (colonial) influence of others. Both of these content creators have over 3.5 million followers, thus their reach is far. They control their stories and how they want to share their culture with the world, empowering themselves, breaking stereotypes and showcasing the diversity among Indigenous people across North America.

Indigenous Folks To Learn From – M1 P2

One of the topics I always bring up with my students when we have discussions around residential schools, colonization and their legacies is that though it is extremely important to learn and reflect on these topics, it is just as important to learn and celebrate Indigenous joy. Coming to this course, I had been previously learning from a number of really awesome Indigenous individuals. One of the ways we can support Indigenous communities is by sharing their work, buying their work and amplifying their platforms. Here is just a few of the awesome Indigenous individuals I have appreciated learning from over the last few years:

  • Megan Tipler (@tiplerteaches on Instagram and Twitter) She is a former teacher and current Master’s student at the University of Alberta who authentically shares her experiences as an educator and creates fantastic classroom resources.
  • Blake Desjarlais (@blakedesjarlais on Instagram and Twitter) He is a current MP for Edmonton Griesbach and shares many of the happening within the federal government and Indigenous relations.
  • The folks behind the Yellowhead Institute (@yellowheadinstitute on Instagram, @Yellowhead_ on Twitter) They provide critical perspectives on Indigenous policy and always have vital information to share about the 94 Calls to Action.
  • Michael Linklater (@michael_linklater on Instagram) As a basketball coach I love celebrating the accomplishments of this guy. He has played on the 3X3 Team Canada and has a community project called Boys with Braids that encourages and supports Indigenous men and boys who wear traditional braids.
  • James Jones (@notoriouscree on Instagram and TikTok) Shares cultural dances, dress, songs and traditions. I especially enjoying showing his videos to my students.
  • Dr James Makokis (@creeture82 on Instagram and @DrMakokis on Twitter) A medical doctor who also won the Amazing Race Canada with partner Anthony Johnson. Dr Makokis shares insights into what healthcare looks like for Indigenous folk both on and off reserves.

There are so many others, including fantastic artists that are so open and willing to share about their culture with their platform and following. I always share with my students that we consume so much media. It is important to make sure some of that media supports and represents Indigenous creators.