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[culturaleducators]

Welcome to our blog!

Please see the brief description of our blog to the left of this post.

There are multiple pages to our blog so don't miss out on any of our posts, on the bottom of this page you will be able to move to the next page.

Thank you for visiting.

By:

Beheshta Shirafi, Menahal Butt, and Nasir Khalifa

Bibliography:

Gardenswartz, Lee, and Anita Rowe. “10 Ways to Learn More about Other Cultures.” SHRM, 16 Aug. 2019, www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/pages/learn-more-about-other-cultures.aspx.

The University of British Columbia. “What Does It Mean to Appreciate vs. Appropriate Culture?   | VPFO | UBC.” Vpfo.ubc.ca, 27 Oct. 2021, vpfo.ubc.ca/2021/10/what-does-it-mean-to-appreciate-vs-appropriate-culture/.

The Canadian Encyclopedia. “Cultural Appropriation of Indigenous Peoples in Canada | the Canadian Encyclopedia.” Thecanadianencyclopedia.ca, 26 Sept. 2017, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cultural-appropriation-of-indigenous-peoples-in-canada.

Yesno, R. (2022, June 17). Bridging tradition and the future: Standouts from the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival 2022 runway | CBC life. CBCnews. https://www.cbc.ca/life/style/bridging-tradition-and-the-future-standouts-from-the-indigenous-fashion-arts-festival-2022-runway-1.6488159

“Up Close and Personal: More with Aboriginal Designer, Kim Picard.” UnDone Magazine, 9 Dec. 2014, undonemagazine.wordpress.com/portfolio/up-close-and-personal-more-with-aboriginal-designer-kim-picard/. Accessed 23 June 2023.

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How to Be An INDIGENOUS Ally 🤗 (AVOID ❌ Cultural Appropriation)

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The Standing Rock resistance and our fight for indigenous rights | Tara Houska

A powerful TED talk done by Tara Houska on fighting for indigenous rights.

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Bridging Tradition and Future

“Bridging tradition and future,” writes Riley Yesno, a Queer Anishinaabe writer from Eabametoong First Nation, this title represents the indigenous fashion art festival of 2022. This showcase was a celebration of indigenous cultures through fashion, where many different pieces featuring a multitude of aspects from various cultures, were displayed for people all over to appreciate. In recent times it has become more and more apparent that various industries wrongfully profit off the efforts, cultures, and traditions of indigenous people. This festival is a representation of how to appreciate a culture without disrespect, prejudice, and otherwise, ill intent. This way people can be educated through numerous forms of arts, connecting old with new, past with future, by people whose voices were unfortunately oppressed and now are finally being shed light upon.  

Reference:

Yesno, R. (2022, June 17). Bridging tradition and the future: Standouts from the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival 2022 runway | CBC life. CBCnews. https://www.cbc.ca/life/style/bridging-tradition-and-the-future-standouts-from-the-indigenous-fashion-arts-festival-2022-runway-1.6488159 

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Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation by CBC

Well-presented video explaining the difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation. This video explains both concepts in a great manner that is informative and understanding. Please watch!

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Creator Highlights: Tavia Christina

Tavia Christina, an artist of Métis and Maltese heritage, embraces their neurodivergent identity while residing in Tkarón:to (Toronto, ON). Their artistic pursuits center around the exploration of humanity, seeking to create works that transcend the stage or final production, and instead resonate within the realms of the mind, body, and soul. They utilize these varied forms of expression to showcase their messages, often traversing multidisciplinary boundaries. Within their body of work, Tavia delves into unspoken socio-political narratives prevalent in contemporary society. They place an emphasis on amplifying queer perspectives and drawing from their own experiences. Through their art, Tavia strives to shed light on the stories, aiming to foster greater understanding and empathy.

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Creator Highlights: Tia Wood

Tia Wood is a talented person who sings, dances and creates content. She wants to change the way people think about beauty by proudly showing her Indigenous features. Tia grew up in Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada, and she has a Salish heritage too. She started dancing when she was very young and performed at powwows, wearing special Indigenous clothes. But at school, she felt like she had to hide who she really was. She wore colored contacts and edited her online photos to make her skin look lighter. When Tia was in high school, she had a big realization. She thought, "Wait a minute! We don't have to do this. We're beautiful too." From that moment, she decided to embrace her Indigenous features, like her hair and nose, and show them off. At the same time, she started making videos on TikTok. In these videos, she talks about her culture and shares her amazing singing talent. Tia Wood is an inspiring person. She is proud of her heritage and uses her platform to challenge what society thinks is beautiful. She wants to empower others and change the way people see beauty. Through her art and education, she hopes to make people understand and appreciate different cultures. She leaves a lasting impact on those who see her incredible talent and genuine personality.

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How to Talk about Indigenous People of Canada 🍁 (Native, Aboriginal, First Nation EXPLAINED)

An extremely informative video on how to correctly address different Indigenous people of Canada. If you have the time, please take a moment to watch this video.

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Creator Highlights: James Jones

James Jones, is a 34-year-old talented Indigenous creator hailing from Edmonton, Alberta. He has garnered recognition on TikTok for his mesmerizing hoop dancing, which captivates viewers in the midst of their scrolling. Hoop dancing holds profound significance as an Indigenous healing dance, with each hoop symbolizing reverence for the circle of life. This captivating dance form is often showcased at powwows and various cultural gatherings. Reflecting on his personal journey, James candidly shared an experience from his youth. As a child, he endured teasing and bullying due to his long hair and distinctive appearance which set him apart from his peers. Motivated by this, James made a heartfelt video aimed at empowering other Indigenous boys. In the video, he aims to shed light on the deep meaning and strength inherent in Indigenous peoples' hair, encouraging young boys to embrace their heritage and wear their hair with pride. Through his TikTok platform, James not only showcases his awe-inspiring hoop dancing but also utilizes it as a means to inspire and uplift his community.

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Involvement of Indigenous Culture in Current Media

The showcasing of Indigenous cultures during world fairs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries involved the appropriation of Indigenous culture. Despite organizers' claims of presenting authentic depictions of Indigenous peoples and their traditional lifestyles, the exhibits largely adhered to colonial stereotypes that portrayed Indigenous peoples as "exotic" and resistant to modernity. However, amidst the reinforcement of these stereotypes, the Indigenous "performers" themselves asserted their cultural resilience, demonstrated their adaptability, and expressed their political resistance against the impacts of colonization.

Resource:

The Canadian Encyclopedia. “Cultural Appropriation of Indigenous Peoples in Canada | the Canadian Encyclopedia.” Thecanadianencyclopedia.ca, 26 Sept. 2017, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cultural-appropriation-of-indigenous-peoples-in-canada.

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Origin and Early History of Indigenous peoples in The Media

For many generations, indigenous peoples have been depicted in newspapers, advertisements, and various forms of print and media. These portrayals have sparked discussions among scholars who, in the late 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, criticized the appropriation of customs and cultural artifacts by dominant colonial powers. These scholars viewed such appropriation as acts of colonialism and analyzed them through the lenses of class, power, racism, and gender. Their writings contributed to the emergence of the concept of cultural appropriation.

In recent times, discussions around cultural appropriation have extended beyond academia and entered popular literature and art. These debates often become politicized, focusing on issues of relationships, sharing, and accountability between cultures. The inclusion of cultural appropriation in these conversations reflects a growing awareness and concern about respectful and responsible engagement with different cultures.

Resource:

Published Online April 18. (n.d.). Cultural appropriation of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. TheCanadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cultural-appropriation-of-indigenous-peoples-in-canada

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Indigenous Canada - A Story to Tell

Every human has the right to explore and express their own culture and history without any barriers. Together, we can learn and grow as a community with respect and honor for our ancestors, no matter where they are from.

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How Fashion Designer Bethany Yellowtail Celebrates Her Native American Heritage

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Creator highlights: Kendra Jessis

Kendra Jessis, a member of the Sucker Creek First Nation, takes immense pride in her cultural heritage and integrates the wisdom passed down by her Indigenous elders into her daily life. She firmly believes that each of us possesses a unique and sacred purpose residing within our hearts, a purpose that only we can fulfill. Among the invaluable teachings she cherishes, the Seven Generations teaching holds a special place. This teaching emphasizes that our present actions have profound consequences for the well-being of seven generations yet to come, while the actions of our ancestors from seven generations ago continue to influence us today. This teaching has profoundly transformed Kendra's life, inspiring her to constantly strive for personal growth. She now recognizes that her choices and actions extend far beyond her immediate sphere, reaching out to shape the lives of future generations.

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Reminders: Appreciating a culture without appropriating it

(Please be aware, the above photos are showcasing cultural appropriation, not appreciation)

Appreciating a culture without appropriating it is an important aspect of respecting and honoring diversity. Here are some reminders to help you navigate cultural appreciation in a respectful manner:

➀ Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about the culture you wish to appreciate. You can do this by reading books, watching documentaries, or consuming information from reliable sources to gain knowledge about its history, traditions, customs, and significance. Understanding the cultural context and history is crucial for respectful appreciation.

➁ Respectful Attitude: Approach the culture with genuine curiosity and respect. Recognize that you are an outsider and don't fully understand the lived experiences and complexities of the culture. Show humility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn!

➂ Acknowledge and Give Credit: If you are drawing inspiration or using elements from a particular culture, give credit where it's due.

➃ Engage in Meaningful Exchanges: Foster genuine connections with individuals from the culture you appreciate. Engage in respectful dialogue, ask questions, and listen attentively.

➄ Seek Permission and Follow Guidelines: When participating in cultural activities or events, be mindful of any rules, protocols, or permissions required. Some cultural practices may be sacred, restricted, or not open to outsiders.

Please remember to be open-minded to those willing to learn and honor your culture. It takes time for different communities to fully understand how to respect and appreciate other diversities.

Resource:

Gardenswartz, Lee, and Anita Rowe. “10 Ways to Learn More about Other Cultures.” SHRM, 16 Aug. 2019, www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/pages/learn-more-about-other-cultures.aspx.

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Kim Picard has been in the fashion industry since 1996 and is based out of Quebec, Canada.

This post is dedicated to showcasing Kim's experience, thoughts, and inspirations when creating and designing her clothing. The following quotes are taken from an interview with Tanya Debi with unDONE Magazine.

“First and foremost, my culture is what inspires me the most. I feel that I honor my ancestors when I make aboriginal designs, especially when I create Innu (Montagnais) designs,”

“I’m also very inspired by my dreams. I am someone who dreams a lot, sometimes I develop designs based on the animals and symbols I’ve seen in my dreams,” Picard said. “I always try to study the symbols and their meanings, which are very important to me.”

“On the non-Aboriginal side, there is some ignorance about the meaning of the symbols that I use on my clothes. Aboriginal people generally know these meanings (the properties of animals, their spiritual meanings, etc) but not all. There is still some teaching to do at this level because we lost much of our traditional knowledge as a result of colonization,”

“For example, some symbols can represent clans or communities. Once non-Natives learn the meaning of the symbols on my clothes, they understand the approach and the fact that it contains a strong and significant message.”

"Thank you to Kim Picard for sharing her inspirations, dreams and personal tragedy with unDone magazine. Keep bringing awareness to this topic and keep making fashion meaningful."

Resource:

“Up Close and Personal: More with Aboriginal Designer, Kim Picard.” UnDone Magazine, 9 Dec. 2014, undonemagazine.wordpress.com/portfolio/up-close-and-personal-more-with-aboriginal-designer-kim-picard/. Accessed 23 June 2023.