This week, we’re honored to share a writing offered by Katy Carson, who brings a powerful voice and perspective to this weeks Teachings Tuesday. Recently, Katy and I shared a conversation about the complex and often painful issues surrounding “pretendianism” and how it impacts Indigenous communities. As someone who is actively reconnecting with her own culture, Katy has experienced firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with reclaiming and strengthening her identity.
Join us as Katy shares her experiences and insights, shedding light on the importance of cultural integrity and the deep, ongoing work of reconnection. Thank you, Katy, for your openness and for bringing your wisdom to our Teaching Tuesday. 🌿
"For many of us who grew up outside community, reconnecting with our Indigeneity can be a journey filled with questions about authenticity and belonging. Colonialism fractured generations of Indigenous identity, severing ties to our communities, languages, and traditions, leaving many with a deep sense of loss. I’ve wrestled (and sometimes still do) with questions like, Am I Indigenous enough? Do I have the right to reclaim what was taken? This journey has been marked by moments of doubt but also by encouragement, reminding me that exploring my identity is a way of honoring my ancestors and their resilience.
Reclamation is an act of respect, responsibility, and healing. It stands in stark contrast to pretendianism, which involves making claims to a minimal or fabricated connection to Indigenous ancestry for the sole purpose of accessing various benefits, such as educational opportunities, grants, professional positions, or even health benefits. This harsh reality highlights how some individuals exploit the allure of Indigenous identity without any genuine connection to the culture or community. Reclamation, however, is rooted in authenticity. It involves learning from community members, following traditional teachings, and understanding that reconnecting with our culture is about healing—not merely "adopting" an identity for personal gain.
My lightbulb moment came during a Community Call, where the Mentors helped me see that reclaiming my heritage is a birthright—one that requires humility, respect, and dedication. Their reassurance empowered me to pursue my journey with confidence, understanding that to reclaim is to honor my culture and contribute to its continuity. Reclamation means aligning with our community’s values, honoring our ancestors, and healing from the impacts of colonialism. Each step on this path brings us closer to ourselves and our ancestors. We honor our communities and those who never lost their connection, moving forward with the unshakable reminder that we are, and always have been, enough."
Thank you, Katy, for sharing your journey with us and for bringing awareness to this important topic. Pretendianism impacts communities on a deep level, distorting identity and taking resources meant to uplift Indigenous voices. When people with no real connection to Indigenous communities claim these identities, they often secure grants, scholarships, job positions, and other supports intended to counteract the inequalities Indigenous people face. This ends up limiting access to opportunities for those who are genuinely rooted in these cultures and are working to preserve them.
Pretendianism also amplifies voices that shouldn’t be centered, drowning out those whose lived experiences are essential to cultural strength and healing. Katy’s story shows that true reclamation is rooted in respect, responsibility, and community connection. Her journey reflects how honoring culture, carrying ancestral resilience forward, and learning from community teachings ensure that Indigenous voices and traditions are authentically represented for future generations.
Comments