Details

Storyteller: Kirby
Tribe: Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe
Created: 2018
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Transcript: Boozhoo widigoo indnicause. I am tri-racial. Native, African American and Latino. But I was raised by Ojibwe women. Being raised Anishinabe gave me identity. Sharon Day, my grandmother is my biggest inspiration. She raised me from the day that I came home from the hospital. She not only told me how to live, but she showed me how to live. She showed me how to live by our 7 Grandmother and Grandfather teachings. I grew up for most of my life in Saint Paul, Highland Park. BUT I spent summers and the weekends at my parents who lived in Saint Paul, Frogtown. These 2 neighborhoods are in the same city but very different. Highland Park is a quiet and predominately white neighborhood. Like every place it has its plus and minuses. On one hand we could leave the door open - unlocked to our house - and not have to worry about anything being stolen. I could ride my bike from one side of town to the other and not have to worry about my safety. I made a lot of friends and felt very much a part of the community. On the other hand, I was looked [at] and treated differently than my peers. By my friends’ parents and even neighbors. At times I was told, “go back to your own neighborhood you rat”. I guess at times it just seemed like the norm. I got used to it... Frogtown was completely opposite. It was [a] predominantly Black neighborhood. So, in some aspects it was easier. People looked, talked and walked like me. But also, it has its downsides. This is the place where I got into my first fight. The neighborhood is not a very safe place. We had to be on the stoop by sun down. Growing up I played multiple sports in both communities. Can you believe I never played a sport with another Native American? I guess you can say that was a very clear depiction on Native American presence in both neighborhoods. Neither neighborhood had very much knowledge or care about Native American culture, but that's okay because inside of my home I was getting a full dose of culture. From going to powwows, ceremonies and cultural events, I felt like I had everything I needed to be me. Since I could remember I’ve been very proud of who I am. I always felt like I had to represent for my people.  Any chance I've had to show off my culture I have. I’ve danced at every talent show. I’ve brought in something from my culture to every show-and- tell. When I wear my bead work and my Native American clothing, I wear it proudly. When I hear our music, it makes the hairs on my arm stand up and gives me this feeling that only my culture can give me. I feel grateful and privileged to be raised by my culture. In order for other people to understand who Indigenous people are, they need to learn about us. I think the first step is to acknowledge this is Indigenous land. Secondly, if you do not have an Indigenous friend or associate please go find one because in order to know more and understand our culture you need to know us first.