5 tips to practice and celebrate the indigenous culture online/virtually
Isn’t it frustrating how so many Indigenous events and celebrations are cancelled because of COVID?
The VERY thing that we need to overcome & heal from the loneliness and depression that this pandemic has found us with are all cancelled (or most of them are anyways).
How can I practise and celebrate the Indigenous culture when so many of these gatherings are restricted?
Practicing/celebrating the indigenous culture might look a little different now. But - don’t worry - there are still some amazing ways YOU can celebrate while staying safe and healthy. All of these activities can be enjoyed alone or with others (in a COVID-mindful manner) -- so there’s no right or wrong way!
If you’re an indigenous person, an ally wanting to practice and celebrate the indigenous culture but you’re having difficulties due to COVID restrictions there are several ways that you can experience the amazing spiritual benefits that indigenous culture is known for - even with the new normal looking quite a bit different now.
Learning more about the indigenous culture is a great way to celebrate it and keep tradition alive. Whether your goal is to learn more about yourself, your loved ones, or simply the indigenous culture in general (if you don’t have ties to it and are looking for a deeper appreciation, that’s great!
Let’s get into the 5 ways on how to practice and celebrate Indigenous culture online (or virtually).
#1 Watch Indigenous creative content such as podcasts, videos, music, or films.
We put this option at number one because it’s not only easy, it’s fun too! While at home, even if you’re WORKING from home, you’re probably spending a lot of time on the internet.
If you’re listening to something passively in the background, why not make sure it’s something from an indigenous creator? Here’s a few quality recommendations that I have:
Podcasts: Let’s Talk Native with John Kane, Coffee With My Ma, The Red Nation Podcast
YouTube channels: ours of course!, CmanVlogga, Áayaad, Jermaine Sam
Music: Digging Roots, Tanya Tagaq, Frank Waln
Films: Rhymes for Young Ghouls, Mekko, The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open
#2 Reading up on books about indigenous culture, or reading books written by indigenous people.
When you’re spending time at home, there’s almost nothing better than a good book. Especially if you’re in need of some quiet time alone, a book can be just the companion that you’re looking for.
When you read nonfiction, you can learn about and celebrate indigenous culture at your own pace. When reading fiction, you’re still learning - but igniting different parts of your brain as you do.
By caring about characters created by indigenous people, you link yourself to their stories and promote the strength of storytelling that matters so much to the culture.
Here are a few books written by indigenous authors that I recommend:
- Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
- There There by Tommy Orange
- Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
- Where the Dead Sit Talking by Brandon Hobson
- Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson
#3 Look into your family history.
If you’re an indigenous person, one of the most organic and far-reaching ways to celebrate the culture is to learn about your own first.
Asking your relatives about ancestry, origins, or even writing down old stories that they tell will give you valuable insight regarding your family that you and your (future or current) children will appreciate for generations.
Word of mouth matters a lot in indigenous culture, but there are plenty of resources online that can help to trade bloodlines and things of the like - websites such as ancestry.com or 23andme.
#4 Join a safe social media group/community
Joining a safe and welcoming online community is an awesome way to learn and share your experiences with the Indigenous culture.
Not only does it give you a safe haven of connection from the comfort of your own home, you can also virtually link up with people who you might have never had the opportunity to talk to otherwise.
Social media is amazing in the way that it links people, and I’m a huge proponent of the uniting force that it provides with its community-based platform.
If you're looking for a safe and welcoming Facebook community, come join our Tribe! You can find the link included in the description, along with the rest of the resources that I’ve shared so far.
#5 Take a virtual course or training
A huge component of celebrating indigenous culture is learning more about it. You can’t adequately celebrate something without understanding it on a deep, intrinsic level - and that education is something that you can continue to share with people in your own life.
There’s no better time than right now to educate yourself on indigenous culture and teachings - and it’s easier than ever with the amount of virtual courses and trainings that are available.
Tribal Trade Co even has one of our own - our Smudge Circle Course! It’s been a big hit in our community, so you’ll want to get on the waitlist sooner rather than later.
https://mallorygraham.mykajabi.com/indigenous-teachings-series
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