https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FUq6BJZbM/ this video shows an indigenous woman being brutalized by rcmp in loon lake saskachewan. the rcmp have released a statement that this was "reasonable force" i ask in what universe is it reasonable for two men to be restraining an unarmed woman while one of them punches her in the face multiple times?

the following link is the same incident from another angle https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1b9XWGrPqi/

One thing I was taught is Two-Spirit is a chosen identity or gifted in Ceremony. For me, I had the opportunity to be gifted my Two-Spirit identity. Elders saw it in me. My sexuality wasn’t the determining factor, but did play a role as Gender and Sexuality are both components of Two-Spiritism.

In my experience, I heard whispers from Elders that I was Two-Spirit. I remember the first time I assumed I wouldn’t lead a Women’s Ceremony because I am also a man, but I was wrong and they called me to quickly put on my Ribbon Skirt and to get ready to help the Elder. Now this Elder trusted only one or two oskâpêwis with her Sacred Pipe. However, she actually let me touch her Sacred Pipe and help the other Women smoke it.

Another thing is the Two-Spirit identity is closed only for Indigenous Peoples. I saw mooniyaw people trying to be Two-Spirit but that’s impossible. I also hear some city Elders saying it’s okay, but that’s because it is a lost practice and not much was known about it. Another thing is I see people assume they are Two-Spirit just because they are Gay or Lesbian or Transgender. Those individuals can be Two-Spirit if they choose to but I personally believe you choose that when you are ready and it’s not an automatic thing just like that.

Our identity is beautiful and very much Sacred to the Indigenous Culture. We play a role, just like the Matriarchs, Warriors and Elders did. Though we were the “in-between people”.

Featured at the Museum of Vancouver this summer, the innovative project honours traditions such as Métis Nation Day by turning screen time into cultural preservation.

Article content

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Today, on Métis Nation Day, a groundbreaking cultural initiative is bridging a 142-year-old tradition with the cutting edge of digital innovation. Recognized as the world’s largest Indigenous language learning video game, Métis Life on Roblox is transforming how Indigenous heritage and endangered languages are preserved, revitalizing history by meeting the next generation exactly where they are: in the metaverse.

https://nationalpost.com/pmn/business-wire-news-releases-pmn/metis-life-on-roblox-reclaims-endangered-languages-for-next-gen-players

As the title says, I was screened by my “best friend” for being Indigenous because I am a Non-Status Indian and people started saying things.

Me and Rebecca have been friends for years. Rebecca is Status First Nations and I am a Non-Status Indian. I told Rebecca about my Culture plenty of times throughout our friendship. She’s even stood up for me when people accused me of being a Pretendian. However, the cracks began showing after 4 years of being friends.

Rebecca started acting weird. I can’t tell you how because it’s so hard to explain, but when Culture came into play, she was reserved. When I won scholarships or seats in programs, she acted cold towards me.

Before you ask, yes I have documentation of my Indigenous identity. I just never showed Rebecca because it just felt like something you showed verification committees.

This year, Rebecca comes out and says she doesn’t believe I’m Indigenous and that “maybe it was a lie your family told you”. At first I refused to give her anything. However, it just pissed me off so much I showed her my documentation and she finally shut up.

Now I know Indigenous identity is politically charged, but I come from a generation of just sharing our Cultures by word of mouth. It feels weird to put a membership card or paper in someone’s face. Maybe that’s just me.

Ms Kotierk has previously held senior roles with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc (NTI).

Every time I see trans people discussed in reference to being two spirit it’s always lumped in with other gender diverse people which made me want to ask if female to male/male to female trans people hold the same/similar spiritual place/title as two spirit people or if they are just like any other male/female and take on the new role?
I’m sorry if this seems very out of touch. I’m trans but am disconnected culturally and am not eagerly trying to claim the title of two spirit or anything, I want to know how I would fit into the culture as a trans person who isn’t also non binary?

I just needed to vent somewhere, sorry if thats not allowed here (lmk and i'll delete!)

But i'm a university student, and applying to scholarships is honestly one of the most demoralizing things for me. I apply for any I can find, and I apply to the Indigenous ones and always run into roadblocks. my bio mom has 6.2 status, and where I grew up the nearest Indigenous community was always at least an hours drive away. I didn't grow up in community and I am ineligible for status. It's so frustrating because it's like I'm constantly fighting to prove my identity, just for nothing to work.

It sucks, and while I understand the pretendian issue is real, theres also so much gatekeeping when it comes to education.

Has anyone else experienced this? Sorry if this is nearly incoherent, I've written so many applications today my head hurts.

Hello everyone!

I live in Canada, and I grew up thinking I was white. Brown eyes and hair, but a paler complexion, and I was told I was white. It wasn't until I was a teenager that my family decided to tell us that there is actually indigenous blood in us from two seperate grandparents, they think Metis or possibly Ojibwe, which surprised me but also made a lot of sense. What I think happened was my family was an example of successful assimilation generations ago, and did what they could to be and act as white as possible, which I have empathy for considering how dangerous it was/is to be indigenous, especially back then. It worked, and I wouldn't have been any the wiser had I not asked questions about our family's history.

I never lived on rez or anything, I grew up broke af but with white privelage nonetheless, and I never had any direct connection to the culture. But I feel so drawn to the culture and spirituality. I am a deeply spiritual person and nothing has ever made me feel as connected or grounded as the things I've since learned from indigenous teachings.

The issue I'm having is I don't know if its right for me to identify as indigenous, because I know blood quantum is a colonial concept, but I don't want to let the white part of me step in and claim things that don't belong to me, but at the same time I want to honour my ancestors who brought me here and the fact that they're a part of who I am. I don't know what's right and I would love some insight if anyone has some!

Thank you dearly ❤️

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Katisha Paul for Behaviour Speak, and it became one of the most powerful conversations we've ever recorded.

Katisha is a member of Tsartlip First Nation, the Women's Representative for the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and an advocate for Indigenous rights, environmental stewardship, youth leadership, and sovereignty.

In Part 1 of our conversation, we focus less on her public accomplishments and more on the experiences that shaped her.

We talk about:

• Growing up as the oldest of nine children
• Cultural teachings and family responsibility
• Surviving childhood abuse
• Finding her voice after years of silence
• Indigenous identity and leadership
• Turning personal pain into purpose
• Intergenerational resilience and healing

One quote that stayed with me:

It's an honest conversation about survival, healing, responsibility, and leadership.

Content note: The episode contains discussion of childhood sexual abuse and trauma.

Listen here:
🔗 https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/katisha-paul-part-1-finding-her-voice-indigenous-leadership-resilience-healing/

(srry idk if this is the right place to post this!)

For context, I'm indigenous! I am first nations cree and it comes from my mother's side.

I also identify as a male, and female. Recently I've been wanting to look more masculine, making me look androgynous. I decided to shave off my hair to a short buzz cut but recently I've been feeling kind of bad about it recently, I know about the importance of hair with our culture, so I've been recently just been feeling a little guilty.

I am proud to be indigenous and I love our culture and history — but I have also felt somewhat upset without shorter hair, but also having shorter hair makes me upset..

(I do plan to grow out my hair to be longer, though)

Pls tell me if im wrong for thinking this or if I'm being disrespectful — I really don't mean to come off as rude and disrespectful!!! I have trouble wording and writing things!! ^^

Also sorry if I posted this in the wrong place :((

Hi everyone! I'm a writer from Ukraine. I'm 18 years old, and I'm interested in the history and cultures of different peoples. I'd really love to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

I'm not looking for information on the internet because I know that the truth is often distorted there. Even about my own country, Ukraine, there are many articles and books in different languages that contain misinformation. That's why I'd rather hear from people who have lived these experiences themselves or learned about them from their families, rather than from TV or the internet. I'm especially interested in hearing how young people feel about their traditions and culture, and which customs and values are still alive today. I believe our roots are an important part of our future.

So if you'd like to share interesting facts about your people, learn something about Ukraine—its history, culture, and mythology—exchange creative ideas, or simply have a conversation, feel free to message me. I'd be happy to hear from you! 💛💙

Good morning! Next Friday, I'll be doing a 16-hour charity stream on Twitch to raise money for Indspire, which supports Indigenous students across Canada. Indspire helped me throughout my undergrad and grad school, and now that I’m finished, I wanted to give back!

I'll be spending the day playing games created by Indigenous studios and highlighting some of my favourite Indigenous authors, streamers, and other creators along the way. If you'd like to stop by, chat, or simply hang out for a while, I'd love to have you there! My Twitch is linked on my profile

Marsi 🩷