Community is why we’re here for another Sovereignty Sunday. As the snow falls outside and covers the ground in its homogeneous blanket , I’ll share some Indigenous members and highlight their uniqueness.

As you may have read in earlier Sovereignty Sundays, I’ll be posting questions that I asked each of our participants and the answers they gave. My words will be in italics. I will stick as close to their actual answers as possible. Also I need to note that all images are provided by them and either are of themselves or represent something they wanted to share.

Finally, everyone will have an @name you can click it to go to their Threads accounts if you want. They make good community.

Lluis Natividad Fuertes

@lluisnatividad

What do you prefer to be known by on social media?

I’d like to go by my name Lluis (since I don’t have a traditional name. Lluis involves my whole experience as a person moving around)

What Nation are you?

I’m an iku from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (Colombia) Mostly kwon as arhuaco people in the academic world. But that’s the name misinterpreted by Spanish colonizers. My people call themselves iku (=person).

Name a cause that is dear to you and how we as a community can help?

A cause that is dear to me: I was raised up in Europe with zero contact with my community. A couple years ago I ended up back again among them, as a result of particular circumstances. Just recently I made my way out. Now, I have a first experience of language and tradition, because everything is well preserved. I want to share not just my experience in this very episode, but the impact in my life. I want non-native people to know more about how we’re distancing ourselves of certain narratives and give a serious insight into native cultures. Also, I want to give my view to my fellow native people in all America.

What are some Indigenous books /movies/other types of media you’d like to share as your favorites?

Indigenous books/movies about the iku available: My best example so far is the more popular, as famed Wade Davis is strongly associated with my people. Many relatives appear on film.

“The Elder Brothers: A Journey to the Heart of the World”

https://vimeo.com/34340458?fl=pl&fe=sh

There are more interesting materials, but no always English available.

If you can impart one piece of advice to non-Indigenous or those reconnecting, what would it be?

A piece of advice to non-natives or people reconnecting: please, don’t fall for the superficial idea of romance, or this assumed poetical view of native life. My people work really hard in the crops and in life in general. Don’t take for granted anything that has been told you. Language is the gateway to wisdom, get into it and you’ll be rewarded.

I aim for more links and connections between us, more information shared and offering to curious people real information.

Thank you very much.

Silly Goose

@huksi_shalukluk

What do you prefer to known by on social media?

My name is Stormi, but I prefer to be know as Silly Goose, or Mahli Ishto [mah-le ǐsh-toh] which means storm in Chikashanompa, my native language!

What Nation are you?

I am Chikashsha/Chahta, however I’m an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation.

What are some Indigenous books /movies/other types of media you’d like to share as your favorites?

Two of my favorite Indigenous movies and books I’d recommend are, “Te Ata” a movie about the story of Te Ata, a Chickasaw storyteller and actress. It’s a wonderful movie, and really puts you in the shoes of how it was for her at the time.

Also, “Never Whistle at Night” by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst jr. It is a great read about spirits and lore from different Tribes, and why we don’t whistle at night…🫢

I have a ton more, but these two really hit home for me!

What is your definition of community?

Community is everything, it has been the reason why our people are still here today despite hundred of years of genocide, forced removal and assimilation. Without community, you only have chaos, which is why it’s SO important! Community is taking care of the ones in your community, and welcoming in those who want to help and provide.

If you can impart one piece of advice to non-Indigenous or those reconnecting, what would it be?

The advice I’d give to those who are wanting to reconnect or even those who want to know more and respect our cultures and traditions, is go to a cultural center for your local Tribe/Tribes, and watch, listen, and LEARN. If there isn’t one in your area, connect with those in the Tribe you are trying to reconnect with/learn about. Listen to our voices, we can teach you a lot 💕

Jeanne Sasser

@jeanne.malsh

What do you prefer to be known by on social media?

Boozhoo! Jeanne indizhinikaaz. Indiana ndidaa. Anishinaabekwe ndaaw. Nwiidakendaan anishinaabemowin.

Hello! My name is Jeanne. I live in Indiana. I'm an Anishinaabe woman and am learning our language.

Name a cause that is dear to you and how we as a community can help?

One of the most important parts about advocating for MMIW, Water Protection, ICWA, and so many of our other causes is making sure Indigenous voices are heard. So I'm incredibly passionate about the work Dominique (Dominique Burleson)and Naomi (Book Hoarder) are doing to make sure Indigenous stories are being told by Indigenous voices. Both can use financial support and getting the word spread. Dominique for her bookmobile and Naomi for her imprint.

What are some Indigenous books /movies/other types of media you’d like to share as your favorites?

As an Anishinaabekwe, if I can be slightly biased, my two favorite current authors are Angeline Boulley and Melissa Blair. Angeline effortlessly wove the importance of NAGPRA into "Warrior Girl Unearthed" and Melissa used Anishinaabemowin as the language of magic in her Halfling Saga.

If you can impart one piece of advice to non-Indigenous or those reconnecting, what would it be?

For those who are reconnecting like I am, we have 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason.

I’d like to thank everyone that shared pieces of themselves with us. The questions came from a list I offered all of them to pick from, so sometimes you’ll see different ones asked.

You can find me at @shawnspiritpanther.

lapich knewë

I'm thankful for those of you who have returned each session to show you support the vision.

As usual, each person will speak in their own voices. I've only edited for format. The photos are either of the speaker or of something important to them. I've linked their social media accounts - you can reach them and follow by clicking the @name. The words in italics are mine and the rest are theirs.

Lisa Sharp

@retrohousewifegoesgreen

Photo is of Chickasaw Nation Recreation Area in Sulphur, Oklahoma my favorite places in Chickasaw Nation, where I live.

What do you prefer to be known by on social media?

Lisa but I will also answer to retro housewife since it’s my username.

What Nation are you?

Chahta (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma)

What cause is important to you?

Since before I can remember the environment has been important to me. My family loves to tell the story of me being just a toddler and my dad going to throw away my baby food jar and me telling him “no daddy, we cycle!”

These days we have so many threats to our environment. Regulations are being rolled back and we have AI quickly growing and taking so many resources and polluting our environment.

While personal actions are important I believe we also need to be pushing for our government to be better stewards of our land. That’s one of many reasons why Land Back is so important to me.

What’s your definition of community?

My way of looking at community has changed a lot over the last six years. The pandemic completely changed how I interact with people because I am disabled and high risk.

It has showed me that you can build a community no matter what and it doesn’t have to just be a physical community. Digital communities also matter, a lot. Sovereignty Sunday is such a great example of this.

If you aren’t in a place with a built in community or even many likeminded people, get creative, and look for new ways to connect.

Obsidian Jaguar

@bicam_yoco

What do you prefer to be known by on social media?

Bicam Yoco is my name, meaning Obsidian Jaguar, most people call my Ocelotl or just Jag.

What Nation are you?

I am proudly Guachichil Nation, Red Seed Tree People and Strong Tree People.

What are some books/movies/media you'd like to share as your favorites?

The Broken Spears, Miguel León-Portilla

Pueblo Revolt, David Roberts

The Tepehuan Revolt of 1616, Charlotte M. Grady

Visions of a Guachichil Witch, Ruth Behar

Movies: La Otra Conquista

Music: Kangar Eza'r, Indigenous rock from my brothers in Eza'r Nation, Chichimeca Jonaz of Guanajuato

If you can impart one piece of advice to non-Indigenous or to those reconnecting, what would it be?

For the non-Indigenous, listen to us. We were right about everything. Just listen and de-center yourself.

For the reconnecting, be honest with yourself, aloud and in private, or your ancestors and community will hold you accountable.

Victoria Mindiola

@victoria.mindiola

What do you prefer to be known by on social media?

I prefer Being called what my grandmother named me (Victorious Rose) but it was shortened to Victoria after I was born.

I also go by Papalotl.

I have not been given an adult/community name.

What Nation are you?

I believe we are Coahuiltecan. I identify as Chicanx and a Detribalized Mexica who has traced family to the Coahuiltecan, BUT..

Until we know for sure that the family members who were "guests" of fort Clark were actually tribal members, I don't claim ties to Apache or Yaqui people, and I can't claim Coahuiltecan without being able to translate all the church records and such.

My identity is a complex issue, and I choose to identify as a Chicanx first and foremost because my Identity is political, and as a Detribalized Mexica, I am careful not to claim communities that do not claim me in return. As a Chicanx, I have community I come from, full of leaders who have fought side by side with other communities for the betterment of Indigenous people.

I also identify as Tejana, as my family has lived in Tejas and Mexico for generations. There are stories about where we come from, but multiple adoptions have left us with questions we have been unable to answer.

As A Brown Beret, I have been raised knowing the importance of representing my community as a protector.

So my identity is Chicanx.

Chicano is translated to Children of the Earth, something we are taught at a young age, when you're raised with a political identity that is based on reclamation of Indigenous belief systems, and unassimilating from white proximity.

Name a cause that is dear to you and how we as a community can help.

A cause that is important to me. I am a second year student at the California Indian Nations College, the only accredited tribal college in California.

Working with the college, as a student and an elected student council member to create a sustainable model that allows us to grow and continue to serve Indigenous communities.

Part of our goal is to become a language center for the revitalization of sleeping languages

I am learning Cahuilla and Nahuatl through my work at the college, and as I pursue my Ethnic Studies degree, I hope to recruit additional talent to make this goal a reality, by working with other Nations on sustainable and ethical data collection that follows non-extractive Indigenous research paradigms and respects the closed practices of the Nations who are working to retain and restore their cultural knowledge.

What is your definition of community?

My definition of community, is one where people live together towards common goals and place group success before individualistic expectations.

A community serves and builds foundations for the next generations.

I believe that I am a placeholder and it is my duty to care for the 3 generations before me and the three to come after.

I would like to thank everyone that participated and would like to invite all who want to participate to reach me at @shawnspiritpanther.

Wanishi!

And there will be more who participate in the following weeks.

Why is this work important to me?

My motivation is derived from a lack of understanding about Indigenous Americans. My mom has done storytelling at the National Geographic Museum, we were invited to walk in the Parade of Nations during the opening of the Native American History Museum, for over thirty years we’ve run a frybread booth at our powwow, we do cultural programs in the community, and the list goes on… - each venue brings us into contact with people who just don’t understand that Natives are a vast and diverse people that for millennia have been the original inhabitants of Turtle Island.

We didn’t all live in tipis (the Lenape lived in longhouses and wigwams for instance), we use the bathroom most of the time just like non-Natives do, and we don’t all share the same basic physical features. This is a large continent made up of different ecosystems and the People resemble these differences. As is said often in the decolonization spaces, we are not a monolith.

Anyway, I’ve rambled enough about my motivations. I know the real reason you’re here so let’s get to it!

The bold italics in each submission are me, but I’m sure you’re smart enough to have figured that out. In all other instances I’ve done my best to represent the answers to my questions as faithfully as possible except for editing format and sometimes spelling.

I’ve asked each person in addition to a selection of questions they could choose from, to submit a photo that either represents them or is something they value and wanted to share.

Remember to click on the @name and it’ll take you to their social media profile so you can connect.

Brandon

@urban_yaqui

What do you prefer to be known by on social media?

Urban Yaqui

What Nation are you?

Yaqui

What are some indigenous books/movies/media you’d like to share as your favorite?

Book: “All the real Indians died off” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Movie: “Smoke Signals”

TV Show: “Reservation Dogs”

If you can impart one piece of advice to non-indigenous or to those reconnecting, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Dina Rivera

@dangergrrlie

What do you prefer to be known by on social media?

My handle is Dangergrrl but Dina is just fine.

What nation are you?

I am Boriken Taino

What is your definition of community?

My definition of a community is an intentional social contract between individuals unified by a common goal or set of goals. These are chosen families built brick by brick into villages of the chosen. There is an inherent responsibility to be aware of regarding community because like any other tool, community can be used for positive, negative, or neutral outcomes.

If you can impart one piece of advice to non-Indigenous or to those who are reconnecting, what would it be?

One piece of advice I would like to impart on those reconnecting to their ancestral heritage: be patient. Sit and listen to those already paving a path forward; there's no need to remake the wheel and the mistakes you are about to make have already been made. Learn from that. Take the time to learn from a variety of verifiable sources, academic and ancestral alike. There is a lot of misinformation and people taking advantage of the ignorance and eagerness of others, and they are willing to ply that desire to reconnect into power or a payday.

P’aáx

@ppaaxindigenous

“I'm sharing a photo of one of my grandmothers, Cah-Le-Moss. A reminder that I didn't arrive here alone, and that I carry more than just myself.”

What do you prefer to be known by on social media?

P'aáx

What Nation are you?

Séliš (Interior Salish) Nation

Olispe (Kalispel/Pend d'Oreille) Tribe

It's 1492. You're watching the boats pull up to the shore. What's the first thing that comes out of your mouth?

I don't think I'd speak right away. I'd stand there, listening to the water, feeling the land beneath my feet, trying to understand what I was seeing, ships larger than anything our stories prepared us for, cutting across the water like they didn't belong to this world. We were taught to greet the unknown with respect, not fear, so curiosity would come first. But beneath it, something would tighten in my chest, not a vision, not a warning spoken aloud, just the quiet knowing that the balance had been disturbed. That something had entered our home without asking, and it would not leave without taking.

I think my heart would break not for that moment, but for the generations coming after me, for the songs that would be interrupted, the children who would carry wounds they never chose, and a future that had just been changed without our consent.

The moment wouldn't be loud. It would be heavy. And once you feel that weight, you feel the sorrow of ancestors you will never meet, and the pain of descendants who will never know why.

If you can impart one piece of advice to non-Indigenous or to those reconnecting, what would it be?

I would say to slow down. Not everything is meant to be claimed quickly or understood all at once. This isn't about proving who you are or collecting knowledge, it's about learning how to be in right relationship.

Listen more than you speak. Let the land, the people, and the silences teach you. Some things won't open to you right away, and that isn't rejection, it's protection. If you move with humility, respect, and patience, what is meant for you will meet you in time. It will never feel like stepping back into something whole, because colonization didn't just break land, it broke continuity. This is a feeling shared by more of us than we often admit.

Thank you to these cousins who shared portions of their lives with us. Please go follow them on their social media, read my other weekly submissions, and subscribe/follow me here as well as on Threads.

Wanishi!

@shawnspiritpanther

It’s also my opinion that this nation needs to listen to Indigenous voices who’ve been here every step of the way - from the first boats, through genocide and ethnic cleansing, Manifest Destiny both past and present, and until today under an administration that weaponizes government forces against the people.

Again.

Brown and Black people have been crying out to the void, telling everyone that even though this is our “normal”, it’s definitely not okay and we need to do something about it.

When will you, our neighbors, finally listen?

This is the second Sovereignty Sunday post I’ve done on Substack. In these submissions I highlight Turtle Island Indigenous of various Nations, backgrounds, hopes, and dreams. What connects us all are the ties to the success of what happens here, our land. No single perspective speaks for us all, no story is replicated from one teller to the next.

Come join me by the fire as we listen with our hearts to our neighbors in their own voices. Each person’s social media handle links to their page if you click on them.

Úlfalyfgaldur

Ulfseidkona

What do you prefer to be known by on social media?

Kotah

What Nation are you?

Tsalagi (Aniwayah)

What is your definition of community?

The real definition of “community” to me is synonymous with chosen, extended family. You may not be “close” with everyone, but you know of everyone. You care for everyone. When something impacts one of us, it impacts all of us and we ALL step up to try to help in whatever ways that we can. A community uplifts those who need it without shame or judgement or guilt. A community is a place that you can go to vent, to open up, and to be vulnerable because you know you will be surrounded with warmth and support even when your strength fails.

If you can impart one piece of advice to non-Indigenous or to those reconnecting, what would it be?

For those who are reconnecting: Do not allow others to define who you are. The Ancestors know who you are, and even if you don’t feel like you even know who you are right now, your heart and soul do. No one else can define who you are and where you belong.

I often say this to those who are new to animism or paganism as well, but you should never have to define or declare who you are or what your power/connection is. Show it through your experience and your actions. If there is power or connection to authentically be found, those around you will see it and they will recognize it. Let them see it and naturally you will find yourself surrounded by those who see and respect you for who you truly are.

Michelle Robinson

@nativecalgarianpodcast

What do you prefer to be known by on social media?

Natives can call me Red Thunder Woman. Non Natives, Michelle Robinson.

What Nation are you?

I’m Sahtu Dene and my Indian Act imposed status card says Yellowknives Dene First Nation.

I run a book club which I publish alongside my podcast. It’s important that Canadians understand colonialism as up to recently, only cared to appropriate and whitewash the truth.

What is your definition of community?

To me community means standing with each other, not over anyone. If Canadians understood Treaty partnership in that way and as a spiritual covenant Britain never upheld, we could start on meaningful reconciliation.

keisha

@keishabriannax

This artwork is by Keisha.

What do you prefer to be known by on social media?

I usually go by my legal first name online, but I’ve been thinking about going by an alias for some time.

What Nation are you?

I am from the Gispwudwada/Gisgahaast clan of the Tsimshian Nation of Metlakatla, Alaska. I am an artist that mostly does digital PNWC formline, and recently finished a commission for my cousin in honor of my late gi’ish (great aunt) and yaya (great uncle) which I will attach below. (It’s attached above -Shawn)

Name a cause that is dear to you and how we, as a community, can help?

I have a few Native causes that are dear to me. One of them has to be MMIW/MMIR, I’ve had a few relatives and community members who have unfortunately been murdered with little to no investigation. Another is Every Child Matters, as my great grandmother and aunt are survivors.

Thank you to those who shared pieces of themselves with us. Building community takes a measure of openness and trust that is hard to do in an age where controversy generates clicks and every statement can be interpreted as a declaration of war. It’s my hope that through understanding one another we can overcome the building authoritarianism that threatens to silence voices who need to be heard. Also, I wanted to thank everyone that reads these submissions and shares them. You’re also doing your bit in building our community.

Wanishi.

Shawn Spirit Panther

@shawnspiritpanther

Catch phrases in your social media bio.

Centering self instead of listening to marginalized voices.

I could probably fill an entire article with the performative things people do when they profess to be “allies”. These types of behavior have been mocked, and I’d argue rightfully so, by many Black and Brown voices in the activist spaces I orbit. From an outside perspective I guess it’s understandable to question why these acts of “solidarity” go under appreciated and so I’d like to take a stab at approximating an answer.

It might not be your answer, but it’s one of mine.

Quite often I’ve found that it’s more important to be seen as an ally than it is to actually do the work it takes to be one. Some of that work requires that you decenter yourself as the main character and actually listen to what the voices you claim to support are saying. You have to resist the urge to do the “not all…” reaction when someone makes a sweeping statement about a category that touches on your sense of self. Of course anyone with a measure of intellect understands that not all White people, cisgender people, whatever type of people think the same way. There’s no need to remind them. Your defensiveness is just proving their point.

So what makes an ally in my opinion? Well it takes a person who is willing to put their reputation, the approval of their family and friends, and sometimes even their lives at risk to do what’s right. An ally is someone who lifts up voices on the margins of society so that the important things that they have to say can be heard above the cacophony of others looking to drown them out. It takes speaking up in defense, putting your body in the way of harm, and the never ending work that shows there’s no equality until all are equal.

If you’re willing to be a “silent ally” then you’re not an ally at all - you’re just a witness.

I’m going to profile a few historical examples of what true allies look like. I’ve chosen ones that gave their lives to their causes in order to contrast with the “allies” of today. You might have issues with some aspect of those I mention and that’s okay - I’m talking about human beings that have flaws mixed in with their humanity.

A lot of the information I’ve sourced comes from Wikipedia articles. You can click the names to get to the articles.

Let’s see how your “allyship” compares to them:

John Brown

1800-1859

John was famously known as an abolitionist known for his raid on a federal armory at Harper’s Ferry and the attempt to arm a slave rebellion. Before that, Brown and his sons were instrumental in the “Potawatomi Massacre” that killed five pro-slavery colonizers in retaliation for the sacking of Lawrence.

Brown’s attempt on Harper’s Ferry was unsuccessful and he was captured, tried for treason, and hanged December 2, 1859.

William Lewis Moore

1927-1963

William was a postman and a member of the Congress of Racial Equality who used to do these one-man protest marches with the goal of bringing attention to racial segregation. His first march was in Annapolis, Maryland and then he went to the White House. According to Wikipedia, his letter to JFK stated that he intended to walk to Mississippi where he would deliver letters to others in support of the cause.

On his way to deliver a letter to Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett, Moore was encountered by a reporter who was tipped off on his location. The reporter, fearing for William’s safety, offered him a ride but he declined in order to continue his march.

Less than an hour later he was found by a passing motorist with two gunshots in his head.

Rev Bruce Klunder

1937-1964

Bruce was a minister who believed in practicing what he preached. After moving to Cleveland he got involved with the civil rights movement and headed the local Congress of Racial Equality chapter. One of their successes was a sit-in in Sewanee, TN.

On April 6, 1964 Klunder was amongst a hundred demonstrators attempting to stop construction on a segregated school. They demonstrated by putting themselves in the way of industry.

On April 7, he was with about a thousand demonstrators who went to the school. Upon arrival they were met with dozens of Cleveland police officers. Klunder and several others ran across to throw themselves in the path of a bulldozer, which successfully caused the operator to stop. When he backed up, however, he failed to notice Klunder was at the rear of the machine and crushed him to death.

Andrew Goodman and Michael Henry Schwerner

1943-1964 and 1939-1964

So let me start by saying, before I get involved in a quick synopsis, that James Chaney was also a victim in the events that follows. I didn’t place his picture and name above because this is an article about allies and James, while just as brave and strong as the other two in what follows, doesn’t fit the definition of an ally because he was a main character and not an ally in the struggle.

This article is about allies. Thank you for your understanding.

The 1960s South was filled with defiance over racial integration and Mississippi was a hotbed of activity. Freedom Riders were attacked, the University of Mississippi riots attempted to resist integration, and the White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan was founded by Samuel Bowers in 1963. As the Wikipedia articles states, “As the summer of 1964 approached, White Mississippians prepared for what they perceived was an invasion from the north and west.” This was due in part to community organizing and activism dedicated to getting enough voters to support the upcoming Civil Rights Act.

Mississippi excluded Black people from voting in 1890 and this tradition went unchallenged until the Congress of Racial Equality stepped in.

Chaney and Schwerner spoke at a church in Longsdale, Mississippi about setting up a “Freedom School” and rumors of this reached the White Knights. On June 21, 1964 Goodman, Chaney, and Schwerner went to Longsdale. On their way back, they were arrested by the Mississippi Highway patrol for “driving 65 in a 35mph zone”. The three were transported to the Neshoba County Jail.

After not hearing from the trio after an agreed upon check-in time, CORE called the area authorities who claimed they didn’t see them. Turns out that nine people, including the Neshoba County Sheriff (who was acquitted for shooting an unarmed Black man in 1959), had indeed encountered the three and executed them.

A crazy thing to consider, if you’re new to this type of story, is that four decades went by without any legal actions regarding the murders. Four decades. It took media attention and a taped conversation to produce results. A conviction happened in 2005.

It wasn’t the Neshoba County Sheriff, though. He was acquitted of violating the victim’s civil rights in 1967 and it wasn’t until 2002 when cancer got that motherfucker.

I hope he suffered.

It strikes me, however, that this era is the one I’d categorically label the most… well, let’s just say that when you’re raided by Jerry Springer and Alex Jones you’re going to have more than a few screws loose.

What am I leading up to, here?

Well I’m going to start a semi-weekly post of some of the “interesting” posts I come across on social media. A lot of this will be concentrated to Threads since that’s where I spend the most time online, but it’ll hit some other places too.

Let me know in the comments if you like this type of content. You can also submit your own to me if you’d like and I’ll give you credit and a tag in the article I use.

So let’s begin!

One of the things I do is I spend a lot of time on social media discussing everything from my views on politics to what’s happening in Indian Country, but what I’m mostly known for these days are my Sovereignty Sunday posts.

Sovereignty Sunday is my way of highlighting people in the Indigenous community who use their online platforms to educate, to bring culture, and to build communities where Indigenous people can talk to others across Turtle Island about the things that are important to us.

They’re made up of artists, activists, as well as neighbors.

Sovereignty Sunday is not just about Indigenous people connecting with Indigenous people but also about the wider web of connection to those who want to experience what we offer.

It’s about creating solidarity.

In this inaugural Substack post I’ve decided to experiment with the format of my normal Sunday gathering. I’m going to highlight several Indigenous community members and in their voices we will see glimpses of who they are and what’s important to them. They will be a diverse grouping from various Turtle Island Nations and I hope you will want to be in community with them too.

Now, to begin. This time I’m going to put the profiles all in one post so it may get lengthy. Let me know on Threads if it’s too long and I should do separate posts for each person - I just thought putting them together was more conducive to community.

Each person was given a list of questions they could choose from and so you’ll see many answer the same ones but some will have a few that are different.

Rebeca Carrillo Dzib

@rebecacarrillojj

https://www.threads.com/@rebecacarrillojj?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

What do you prefer to be known by?

[glad you asked cause it reminded me to update my contact card after this, gonna finish that when I wrap up haha]:

Balam Kan Dzib, (translates to Jaguar Net Scribe) is my indigenous and preferred name :) my middle names change seasonally, (there’s a fourth name in there that I keep private) but it always makes me happy to be called Balam Kan, Jag or Jaguar Net, or JD ( the “D” refers to a past name)

My colonial name is Rebeca! Bex and Beca both make me happy too.

What Nation are you?

I’m a diasporic Ix Maya Wiinik (translates to “Yucatec Maya Woman” ) with living ties to Ticul and Merida, Yucatán. I was raised in New Mexico and Juarez. I’m a dual citizen of the US and Mexico, and I currently live in Three Fires land (I’m a City Indian in Chicago lol)

Any causes important to you?

my calling is language revitalization, continuing Maya science and tech work, and using computers for liberation as a whole.

My mandate in this life is to help introduce sovereignty tech (such as Small Language Models) to Indigenous communities, and to fight alongside Natives in STEM.

“Technical Sovereignty” is the term I use; it means being able to use tech in an offline, very private, and non-planet killing way.

A lot of people don’t realize that the environmental impact of Gen AI is actually caused by Big Tech, not the tech itself. Part of my calling in life is to offer support to our sovereign indigenous nations through the quest for technical sovereignty.

I’m also a combat sport competitor and instructor in BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA. Fight sports save lives! Someday, I’d love to grow a “Natives on the Mat” community for other indigenous people in martial arts.

Any books, movies, or other media you would recommend to people?

I strongly encourage any mesoamerican to read an academic paper called “Woven Heaven, Tangled Earth. It changes lives 💚🐆

In terms of support:

my family is really really low on liquid cash, and every order at my fundraiser store or mutual aid via Buy Me a Coffee helps a LOT in this season of life

https://dzib.printful.me/

https://buymeacoffee.com/rebecacarrillojj

Dianne Oh

@shadesofDianne

https://www.threads.com/@shadesofdianne?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

What are you known by?

ShadesOfDianne

What Nation are you from?

Blackfoot/Niitsitapi and Ojibwe, but I'm far removed from my people, even though I'm welcome back. I grew up more with Native Hawaiian culture and have hanai family (adopted family), so I feel closer to that. I'm constantly viewing my own Native identity in relation to practices I grew up with.

Any books, movies, or other Indigenous media you would suggest to people?

A film I think EVERYONE should see is "Noho Hewa." When I saw this in political science class I cried.

People often forget that there's only 1 Hawai'i and once the land is covered, it's covered. Watching Native Hawaiians protest for their land not to be developed and seeing whte tourists tell them to shut up and demean them in real time, broke me. Knowing people's ancestors are buried under a Sam's Club disturbs me viscerally.

It gave me a very huge sense of urgency for the NoDAPL Movement and in Hawai'i against the Thirty-Meter Telescope being blown into Mauna Kea.

Are there any causes important to you?

This leads me to a cause I feel strongly about which is PRESERVATION. It doesn't stop at languages (even though that's a major part), land preservation against development, gentrification, and money-focused tourism. Cultural preservation through events and media. Capturing your elders telling stories.

Do you have any advice for non-Natives or those reconnecting with their people?

If you're not Native, take up whatever cause Natives in your area are doing for preservation and help and/or donate. Land acknowledgement isn't enough.

To those reconnecting like me, your journey in the diaspora is part of the same quilt as everyone else's. Reconnect with not just the name of your tribe, but also the living people.

The hair cutting is very important, and this happened after my grandma (the one who is Native) passed away. It's also very important in AAPI culture as well.

It was to honor her and her struggles, but also to start over with a more community-minded way of thinking. My mom cut my hair off with good energy and love. It was very beautiful.

Dominique Burleson

@paperbacks_n_frybread

https://www.threads.com/@paperbacks_n_frybread?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

What do you prefer to be known by on social media?

Dom by friends. Dominique by everyone else. I also don’t mind just my handle.

What Nation are you?

Lumbee. And proud.

What are some Indigenous books / movies / media you’d like to share as your favorites?

I feel like this is cheating since this is my job, but I love everything Kaitlin B. Curtice has written. Her words have been so healing. N. Scott Momaday’s “Dream Drawings” satisfies my nerdy classic literature needs. Seeing Lily Gladstone on the screen in anything makes my heart sing.

If you can impart one piece of advice to non-Indigenous or to those reconnecting, what would it be?

1. **Be quiet. Be okay with being a student-a beginner. Invest in being educated and allowing it to bring humility. Healing roots takes time. Social media has made us feel like we need to constantly bring our every opinion to the table. However, this journey isn’t the time. It’s far too sacred to rush or control.

Mason

@thefoxprophet

https://www.threads.com/@thefoxprophet?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

What do you prefer to be known by on social media?

Strider. I am ok with it, though it catches me off-guard, when people call me “Fox” —took me an embarrassingly long time to realize it was because of my handle (I’m @thefoxprophet most places).

What Nation are you?

Chahta sia hoke! I am an enrolled citizen of Chahta Okla OklaHomma (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), but I am also proud to recognize my Chickasha, Chickasha Freedmen, and Tslagi ancestors, all of whom also passed down stories & traditions my family keeps.

What is your definition of Community?

Community are the people you have a relation to.

That sounds small, until you think about it Indigenously—everyone and everything is in some sort of relationship individually and to each other as a whole.

Community, to me, is best visualized as a series of concentric circles—beginning with the chukkachaffa (family, lit “one house”) in the center and moving outward all the way to okla moma —all the people of the world.

Some circles we will share, and others we will not. We may even choose to ignore what circles we share. But one thing is certain: We will share at least one circle.

If you can impart one piece of advice to the non-Indigenous or to those reconnecting, what would it be?

To all people: true humility is the most needed and least seen thing in this moment. Humility isn’t debasing oneself, feeling bad about yourself, or understating your achievements. True humility is being teachable , being earnest , and recognizing your knowledge is—will always be—limited.

A true expert is always looking to learn more and refine their expertise, which they then pass to others. Indigenous folk are, in fact, the only true experts in how to live in This Land & build sustainable societies. We have the praxis to back us up!

Let us lead the way, because we still remember how to walk the BrightPath.

To Reconnecting kin:

Pray. Indigenous cultures by and large do not have a concept of a ‘secular’ vs ‘religious’ culture. The ‘spiritual’ and ‘mundane’ are like individual strands in twined cordage: separating them is possible, but then it looses it’s integrity, and things fall apart.

Remember that it isn’t who you can claim, but who claims you that is important. Helpers and Teachers will be put in your path when you are ready . I’ve seen it time and again, and it is nearly always a surprise how everything lines up—but it always does.”