In the second episode of Season 2 of the Demystifying Diversity Podcast, host Daralyse Lyons continues her exploration of Indigenous Resilience - specifically the importance of Culture, Land and the Seven Generations Principle and how these factors have allowed Indigenous groups to withstand over 500 years of colonization and systemic oppression in North America.
In this episode, you will learn about:
The importance of Indigenous lands, and the role they play in forming part of an Indigenous group's shared identity.
The Seven Generations Principle, and how the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land engender a communal responsibility in taking care of the environment.
How whiteness and white concepts of ownership threaten the environment and humanity's future on this earth.
What it means to “lightly” or wrongfully claim Indigenous ancestry, and how that is harmful towards Indigenous well-being.
How art is, and will continue to be one of the most important mediums for Indigenous expression, identity, and presence in North American culture.
An extensive, 16-point list of how you can be an ally or accomplice in eradicating discriminatory practices against Indigenous peoples and groups.
The resources referenced in this episode include:
Charlene Teters' Way of Sorrows (Video, 2020) Exhibit
Simon Moya-Smith's 100 Ways to Support - Not Appropriate From - Indigenous People
16 Ways to Be an Ally & Accomplice in Eliminating Indigenous Discrimminiation
Our guests in this episode include:
Morgan Ridgeway: Morgan is a PhD candidate with graduate minors in queer and Indigenous studies whose research focuses on multitribal communities, decolonization strategies, and queer indigenous theory. They are also an artist who utilizes poetry, creative nonfiction, dance, and mixed media in order to disrupt linear, non-inclusive modalities of history-telling and to inspire themselves and others to reimagine what's possible.
Simon Moya-Smith: Simon is a contributing writer to NBC News and CNN, and is a registered member of the Oglala Lakota Nation. He works to bring light and awareness to issues that directly impact Indigenous communities.
Fern Anuenue Holland: Since receiving her Bachelor of Science with triple majors in Wildlife Management, Environmental Science and Marine Biology, Fern has worked as an environmental scientist and ecological consultant. She was instrumental in the development and passing of Bill 2491, a bill which regulates the agrochemical industry. You've likely seen her if you watched the well-known documentary "Poisoning Paradise."
Tessa McLean: Tessa is a Community Planner with a multidisciplinary background. An expert in sustainable energy practices and environmental justice, she brings indigenous knowledge, subject matter expertise, technical skills, and industry experience to community planning initiatives. She is also deeply committed to raising awareness about the plight of missing, murdered, and trafficked indigenous women.
Jaclyn Roessel: Jaclyn is the president of GrownUp Navajo, the co-founder of Native Women Lead, a writer, a curator, a coach and a cultural equity and justice consultant. She was the inaugural recipient of the Arizona Humanities Rising Star Award and has been named one of Phoenix's 100 Creatives You Should Know.
Charlene Teters: Charlene is a Spokane Tribal Member and is an educator, artist and lecturer whose paintings and installations have been featured in numerous collections and exhibitions. As the former Dean of the Institute of American Indian Arts, she spent much of her academic career working to ensure the education of future tribal leaders, innovators and artists.
Click here for the episode transcript.