x̌əx̌maɬ

Colonization is a “monster” and the extent of colonial ways goes well beyond Indian Residential Schools. Chief Fly is present to constantly remind us that not only does every one matter, but that every one has their role to play to make a positive difference.

All voices matter, even the smallest voice is important. In the en’owkin process every voice in a circle is heard, mediation process within community (Jeannette Armstrong: an Okanagan Worldview of Society).

Recognizing Our Implicit Bias Towards Indigenous Peoples

Kelly Terbasket, Program Director of IndigenEYEZ, was invited to speak at a TEDx event at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, in early 2022. While it was no easy task to fit years of learning and growth into 15-minutes, Kelly used the TEDx platform to share her journey in identifying steps to transform internalized biases and misconceptions about Indigenous people. Kelly is of mixed ancestry and is proud of her Syilx heritage. She is grateful to live in her ancestors’ homelands in the Similkameen Valley on the unceded territory of the Syilx peoples. Kelly acknowledges the influences in her life and the growth of IndigenEYEZ leading to moments, like the TEDx event, which serve to remind us to reflect on our journeys, how far we have come, the people who made it possible, and those who will benefit from it in future.

Decolonize with IndigenEYEZ

The video features an interview with IndigenEYEZ facilitator Hazel Bell-Koski. Hazel Bell Koski is a multi-disciplinary artist and creative facilitator self-directed, steadfast Métis woman of mixed Anishinaabe, Finnish, Irish, and English heritage. Born and raised on the unceded Coast Salish Territories of the Səl̓ílwətaʔ, Xʷməθkwəy̓əm, & Sḵwx̱wú7meshsi First Nations. She is grateful to have been raised among mountains, ferns, eagles, bears, cedars, slugs, and barnacles.

Learn more about IndigenEYEZ