An Indigenous Spoken Word Artist Explores the Word "Indian"

Summary

In this powerful spoken word piece, artist A Mind With Wings explores themes of identity and cultural misrepresentation. Drawing from personal experiences growing up in Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, they critique the use of the term 'Indian' and its historical implications tied to colonialism. Through poignant observations and correlations with Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp A Butterfly,' the artist challenges misconceptions about Indigenous legends, asserting that contemporary Indigenous people are new legends themselves. With raw honesty, they invite listeners to reflect on their understanding of identity and the language used to define it.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker is a spoken word artist named A Mind With Wings who expresses a desire for honesty and vulnerability in their work.
• 🗣️ They emphasize the importance of discussing topics that matter to them, reflecting on their identity and experiences.
• 🏞️ The artist is from Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, a small village on Vancouver Island, highlighting their connection to their Indigenous roots.
• ✈️ Their first experience with flying coincided with discovering Kendrick Lamar's *To Pimp A Butterfly,* which inspired them to reflect on cultural identity.
• 🔤 The speaker critiques the use of the term 'Indian,' connecting it to historical misconceptions and the legacy of colonialism.
• 🚫 They reject the label 'Indian' as a misrepresentation, equating it to derogatory terms used against Indigenous people.
• 📜 The speaker discusses the impact of historical laws, such as the Indian Act and the Indian Residential School System, on Indigenous communities.
• 📖 They affirm that new legends and narratives are being created within Indigenous communities, countering the notion that only old stories matter.
• ✊ The speaker encourages embracing and recognizing new legends, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of Indigenous identity.
• 🤔 The final challenge posed is an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own identities and the significance of the labels they use.

Q & A

What themes does the artist explore in their spoken word piece?

The artist explores themes of identity, cultural appropriation, and the historical implications of colonialism on Indigenous peoples.

Why does the artist reject the label 'Indian'?

The artist rejects the label 'Indian' as it is rooted in colonial misunderstanding and is linked to a history of oppression and genocide, including the Indian Act and residential schools.

What personal experiences does the artist draw upon?

The artist draws on their experiences growing up in a small village on the west coast of Vancouver Island and reflects on their journey as a spoken word artist.

How does Kendrick Lamar's music influence the artist's thoughts?

Kendrick Lamar's song 'To Pimp A Butterfly' prompts the artist to reflect on cultural identity and the word 'Indian,' drawing parallels between different marginalized identities.

What does the artist mean by 'we are new legends'?

The phrase 'we are new legends' suggests that Indigenous people today are creating their own narratives and identities, countering stereotypes and historical clichés.

How does the artist feel about sharing their experiences publicly?

The artist feels a sense of fulfillment in sharing their experiences, believing it brings people closer to understanding Indigenous identities and experiences.

What significance does the artist place on words in their performance?

The artist emphasizes the power of words to convey personal and collective experiences, and to challenge societal narratives around Indigenous identity.

What does the artist imply about the historical figure Christopher Columbus?

The artist implies that Christopher Columbus's misnaming of Indigenous peoples reflects a broader ignorance of Indigenous identity and history, reinforcing the need for accurate representation.

What message does the artist convey about cultural appropriation?

The artist criticizes the appropriation of Indigenous stories and legends, advocating for authenticity and the recognition of Indigenous voices in contemporary narratives.

In what way does the artist intend to engage with the audience?

The artist intends to engage with the audience by prompting them to reflect on their perceptions of Indigenous identity and encouraging an honest dialogue about cultural heritage.