Theland Kicknosway – Young People in Advocacy

Summary

Thielen Kiknosway, an 18-year-old Indigenous youth from Walpole Island First Nation, shares his journey as a hoop dancer, activist, and motivational speaker. He reflects on the meaning of 'good medicine,' the importance of cultural practices, and his work raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit individuals. From a young age, Thielen was inspired to make a difference, eventually biking across Ontario to support this cause. He emphasizes the need for kindness, reconciliation, and listening to Indigenous women, while highlighting the power of youth to turn dreams into impactful actions.

Takeaways

• 🦅 The speaker, Thielen Kiknosway, is a Cree and Potawatomi hoop dancer, traditional singer, and activist, advocating for Indigenous culture and causes.
• 🌱 'Good medicine' is described as anything that nourishes the soul, including friends, family, culture, and activities like dancing or singing.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Thielen learned about MMIWG2S+ (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People) at a young age and felt powerless upon first hearing about it.
• 🏃‍♂️ A childhood idea led Thielen to initiate a movement to raise awareness for MMIWG2S+, culminating in annual journeys including biking across Ontario to support the cause.
• 👂 Children are described as storytellers and knowledge carriers, whose ideas and dreams can turn into future goals and actionable change.
• 🚴‍♂️ Thielen has a personal goal to one day bike across Canada to continue raising awareness about the violence faced by Indigenous women and two-spirit individuals.
• 🤝 Allies can contribute to reconciliation by listening to Indigenous voices, understanding the truth, and helping raise awareness.
• 💡 Thielen emphasizes the importance of men and boys being involved in healing and understanding the violence that affects Indigenous communities.
• 🕊️ The speaker believes in cultivating kindness and respect within oneself, acknowledging mistakes, and learning from life’s lessons as a part of personal growth.
• 🕺 Dancing, especially hoop and grass dancing, is described as a powerful connection to Thielen's culture, representing balance, fluidity, and storytelling.

Q & A

What is Thielen Kiknosway's cultural background?

Thielen Kiknosway is of Krie and Potawatomi descent from Walpole Island First Nation Kajong territory and is part of the Wolf clan.

How old is Thielen Kiknosway and where was he raised?

Thielen Kiknosway is 18 years old and was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, which is unceded, unsurrendered Algonquin territory.

What does Thielen do besides being an activist?

Besides being an activist, Thielen is a hoop dancer, traditional singer, flute player, and motivational speaker.

What does the term 'good medicine' mean to Thielen?

For Thielen, 'good medicine' is a broad term that can represent many different things, such as friends, family, nourishment for the soul, good food, physical medicines, and activities that feed the soul like dancing or singing.

What is the significance of MMIWG2S+ for Thielen?

MMIWG2S+ (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit individuals) is a term Thielen learned at a young age and it has deeply affected him, leading him to activism and awareness-raising efforts.

How did Thielen's conversation with Bridget Tully influence him?

Bridget Tully, one of the founders of FSIS (Families of Sisters in Spirit), told Thielen to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles, which inspired him to take action and start his awareness-raising journey.

What was the initial idea that Thielen had to raise awareness for MMIWG2S+?

Thielen's initial idea was to run across Canada, which later evolved into biking across Ontario and eventually led to the annual journey he and his team have been undertaking for seven years.

What is Thielen's ultimate goal with his activism?

Thielen's ultimate goal is to raise awareness until the violence against indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals stops, so that they no longer need to raise their voices or take action for this cause.

What advice does Thielen have for allies in the movement of reconciliation?

Thielen advises allies to listen to the truths of indigenous peoples, educate themselves, and become vehicles of information to promote awareness and understanding.

How does Thielen cope with negative emotions like anger or frustration?

Thielen copes with negative emotions by returning to his cultural ways, using medicines, communicating with friends, and maintaining a supportive circle around him.

What does dancing mean to Thielen and how does it connect to his cultural teachings?

Dancing is a place of happiness for Thielen, and it is deeply connected to his cultural teachings of balance and fluidity. The style of dance he practices, grass dancing, teaches him to move with the flow of life like the grass and the river.

How does Thielen describe the hoop dance and its significance?

Thielen describes the hoop dance as a storytelling dance that portrays stories of elements, creatures, beings, animals, plants, and more through the movement of hoops. It is unique and beautiful because it allows each person to interpret the story differently.