Turning to Indigenous knowledge | Cherie Dimaline

Summary

In this powerful reflection, Sheree Dem explores the meaning of survival within Indigenous communities, emphasizing that true survival is about thriving, not just existing. Survival, she explains, is intrinsically linked to cultural identity, ancestral knowledge, and resistance to colonial oppression. Through storytelling, joy, and resilience, Indigenous people continue to live on their own terms despite centuries of adversity. Dem also highlights the value of Indigenous wisdom in navigating crises, suggesting that embracing this knowledge is essential for collective survival. The message is one of hope, resistance, and the unbreakable connection to the land and community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indigenous survival is defined not just by existence, but by the preservation of identity, culture, and community in the face of ongoing colonization.
• 😀 Sheree Dem Aligned's community has a rich history of migration and survival, rooted in the land and the stories passed down through generations.
• 😀 Survival is not merely breathing; it is the active engagement in life and thriving in both personal and collective contexts.
• 😀 Survival and success are linked; for Indigenous peoples, survival is the ultimate form of success amidst centuries of colonial oppression.
• 😀 Indigenous peoples have already survived multiple apocalypses, making them uniquely capable of navigating contemporary global crises.
• 😀 The importance of storytelling is central to Indigenous survival—it preserves knowledge, fosters community, and offers hope in times of struggle.
• 😀 Colonialism is an ongoing struggle, not a past event, and its effects continue to shape the present lives of Indigenous peoples.
• 😀 The fight for survival is not just about enduring hardship, but also about resisting cultural erasure and asserting sovereignty over land and resources.
• 😀 Indigenous knowledge is vital to the survival of humanity, offering a way to navigate crises and environmental challenges based on deep understanding of nature and community.
• 😀 True survival means living according to one's own terms, with respect for traditional knowledge and an ability to guide the future while honoring the past.

Q & A

What is the significance of the name 'She Listens to Her People' given to the speaker by the older women in her community?

The name 'She Listens to Her People' is a reminder of the speaker's responsibility to carry stories and stay connected to her heritage. It reflects the importance of listening and learning from her community, which is central to her identity and role as a storyteller.

How does the speaker define survival in the context of Indigenous people?

Survival, for the speaker, is not just about breathing or existing. It is about thriving and being fully engaged in life as an Indigenous person. Survival means defining who you are in the face of oppression and continuing to live according to your own values, traditions, and worldview.

What does the speaker mean by 'survival is success'?

'Survival is success' means that Indigenous peoples have endured centuries of colonization, and their ability to persist despite ongoing challenges is a testament to their resilience. However, survival is not just about enduring—it is about thriving and finding ways to live on one's own terms.

What is the importance of asking 'who do we want to be at the moment of our survival'?

Asking 'who do we want to be at the moment of our survival' emphasizes the need to consciously shape our identity and actions in response to hardship. It’s about defining survival not as mere endurance but as an opportunity to choose how to live, thrive, and resist.

How does the speaker view dystopian themes in her work, such as in 'The Marrow Thieves'?

The speaker sees dystopian themes as a reflection of the real experiences Indigenous peoples have faced through colonization. In works like 'The Marrow Thieves,' she portrays a dystopian world that echoes the very real struggles of Indigenous peoples, particularly around the loss of dreams and identity. Despite the bleakness, she believes the story is hopeful, as survival is intertwined with cultural strength and resilience.

What key themes does the speaker address in 'Empire of Wild'?

'Empire of Wild' explores themes of resource extraction, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, land claims, and cultural erasure. The novel also incorporates elements of Indigenous mythology, specifically the Rougarou, to address the impacts of colonization and the ways in which Indigenous peoples resist and find hope in the face of adversity.

What does the speaker mean by 'survival is only truly successful when we can see with our own eyes and measure with our own tools'?

This statement emphasizes the importance of self-determination and autonomy. For survival to be truly successful, it must be defined by Indigenous peoples on their own terms, using their own knowledge, worldview, and cultural practices. It rejects the idea of assimilation and supports the idea of resistance and self-definition.

What does the speaker suggest about the way Indigenous peoples are portrayed in discussions around poverty and social issues?

The speaker critiques the simplistic and often dehumanizing portrayal of Indigenous peoples in discussions about poverty, addiction, and corruption. She argues that these issues are a result of centuries of colonization and systemic oppression, and that a deeper, more nuanced understanding of history and context is necessary.

What metaphor does the speaker use to describe the current state of the world, and what is its significance?

The speaker uses the metaphor of a sinking boat to describe the state of the world. The boat represents a failing system that is taking on water, symbolizing environmental destruction and societal collapse. The metaphor underscores the need for a new way of thinking, turning to Indigenous knowledge and leadership for solutions to survival and sustainability.

What does the speaker propose as a solution to the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples and the broader world?

The speaker suggests that a key solution is turning to Indigenous knowledge and leadership. By allowing Indigenous peoples to reclaim control over their lands and futures, and by listening to their insights on survival and sustainability, society can navigate the challenges ahead and resist further harm. This approach emphasizes the importance of respecting Indigenous sovereignty and worldview.