Wisdom from our youth

It's National American Indian Heritage Month. AICHO asked some questions to our Giinawiind Giginitaawigi’gomin: Together We Grow Youth Program participants to share their perspectives of what it means for them to be American Indian and what they would want to share with others about their Indigenous experience. Miigwech to these youth for their leadership, bravery and knowledge in sharing their Indigenous worldview with all of us. Let's listen to their Nibwaakaawin - their wisdom.

Imagine that a friend came to you and asked you to explain what Native American Heritage Month is. What would you tell your friend? 

Kendal: To tell them of how far our native ancestors that went through many struggles to be here today. To be grateful that our heritage is still being practiced because of what they did.
 
Ayeden: If a friend or someone asks me then I would tell them that it is a month to recognize Native American people who were here before colonizers.

Elijah: I would explain that Native American Heritage month is to recognize and remember all that there is that has led past generations down towards the current path this current generation walks, every hardship, every sweat, blood and tears that has laid down the pavement for this future we live now is recognized.

Patience: Native American heritage month is a way for people to either learn more about their own culture, the history, the feeling, the beliefs, stories, teachings, etc. Also, for people to learn of others heritage, to bring awareness to our(native Americans) heritage and culture. ​

Pictured: Kendal. Portraits of AICHO Youth by Ivy Vainio.

Pictured: Ayeden

Pictured Elijah

As youth, how would you describe how being Native American affects you today at home, school, and in the community? 

Kendal: It’s the missing piece of who I am. It completes who I was meant to be. To show that there is not just one way to look at life or, things in life. Take advantage of every lesson taught and use that new profound knowledge to look at things another way. - Kendal Kot
 
Ayeden: I would say sometimes I think its a struggle between all the racism that happens between the community but it doesn't really affect me because I correct them by telling them what's right.

Elijah: As an indigenous youth I think being Native American will be with me wherever I go, it’s an inherent part of my identity that I carry within every cell in my body.

Patience: Well in today's way of society, it really doesn't matter on your race, yes you get asked questions on /what's it like/ or explaining things they've heard about /indians/ in a home, you get to learn teachings, 7 generations, your language and your history. At school, you get questions on your race rarely, but you are able to choose things to express your heritage, for example ; drumming or Ojibwe language classes. And in the community, if somebody is unknowing of their culture, you can teach that (being your from the same one). You can express yourself in many ways. 

What challenges or teachings have you overcome/learned being a Native American in 2022? 

Kendal: It’s ok to have different ideologies, You don’t have to agree with what most people say or think. Don’t let people tell you how to live your life and stay strong amidst the fiercest of storms because, all storms eventually fade away.
 
Ayeden: I learned that this is who I am and that I can do a lot in my culture and I will stick with learning more about it and I want to continue to do stuff and also I learned how to stand up for my culture.

Elijah: Through early January I was dealing with a lot of battles and work I needed to put in, and throughout this process being able to take my ojibwe language classes helped me with overcoming my battles through my connection with language.

Patience: I've learned the 7 generations, I've learned the medicines through nature, the way to play a hand drum, our medicine dance, every child matters movement, and much more. There's a lot you can learn about this heritage. And native Americans heritage month, is the perfect place to start. ​​

Pictured Patience