Ganabaj (I think)

By: Anjanette M. Parisien

Reclaiming identity through activism.

This time of year, especially after the annual costume days and the start of a focused calendar month on my personal racial and ethnic grounding, I find myself deep in contemplative and reflective moments around identity. I find myself thinking about whether I should be doing something extra to celebrate the land, the water, my people, my culture, my family, or myself. I notice myself waiting for others to recognize the land, the water, my people, my culture, my family, or myself too. I find a self-made celebration to be ostentatious and boastful. I see a multitude of people sharing endless social media posts, supposed revised historical narratives, and (much to my unshocked disappointment) imagery of Anishinaabe or Dakota or Cree or Metis and countless other nations that continue to propagate inaccuracies, misconceptions, falsehoods, and hurtful opinions.

Instead of engaging in the uncomfortable celebration of Pan-American-Indian-ism, I find myself removing the mantles of external expectations to focusing on what I think, ganabaj. Specifically, I find myself reaffirming who I am and how I came to be the person people know today. Ganabaj my heart is made to love when circumstances might dictate otherwise. Ganabaj my spirit is an example of courage. Ganabaj my mind is filled with wisdom that some will recognize, some will not, but is present for a purpose. Ganabaj my actions, my words, my thoughts, and my emotions are respectful of my wholeness and exemplify truth and humility. Ganabaj my entire being is a representation of a life lived in the truth.

My internal conversation has been focusing on the term “liminal.” What does it mean? Why do researchers use this word when referring to people like me? How can my passion and purpose move my existence in the world out of space between and around into the space of everything? When will people who do not share my cultural grounding do the emotional, intellectual, and physical labor to authentically recognize the truths of shared histories? Who is this month really for anyway, me or people not sharing my same identity?

In all honesty, I do not feel liminal. I do not feel between. I do not feel disconnected from history, the present, or the future. I, and countless more like me, exist fully present in the realities we are being patient for others to unblind themselves to see, recognize, and reconcile within themselves. In greater honesty, I do not need a month to celebrate the land, the water, my people, my culture, my family, or myself. Ganabaj my identity is celebrated when I hear my language when I see accurate representations of Anishinaabe and Cree and Metis history, language, material culture, cosmology, and contemporary successes. Ganabaj I am of the people, every moment of every day in every month of every year – a celebration worth my lifetime.

719 thoughts on “Ganabaj – A reflection on being Native in a neo-colonial America

  1. Wow, what a weighty present! I absolutely
    enjoyed how you approached this subject-matter — it’s indubitably something I haven’t musing
    not far from in that sense before. Your insights were
    super engrossing, and I love how you made everything
    so relatable. I can’t put off to charge of more posts like
    this! Keep up the horrifying work!
    gay0day

  2. When you are likely to live in a particular city for long, it makes sense to buy a house so that you have a feeling of belonging and permanency.  The Continuum

  3. You get to identify with the city and its lifestyle. You feel that you have finally settled in life. Besides property prices usually appreciate over the long term. Kassia Showflat

  4. Buying a home means you are also enhancing your wealth over time. Delaying your property purchase will result in having to invest a higher amount Hillhaven Price

  5. By contributing your unique insights, you bring new information to the table. This can spark further discussion and deepen everyone’s understanding of the topic. Your experiences and perspectives can shed light on aspects others might have overlooked Abogado Conducción Imprudente Condado Monmouth The dialogue generated through comments helps us continuously improve. Your feedback can highlight what resonates with our readers and what areas might need more attention or clarification. This input enables us to refine our content and better serve the community.

  6. Blogkasten ist eine vielseitige Plattform für spannende Blogbeiträge rund um Technik, Lifestyle und aktuelle Themen. Entdecke inspirierende Inhalte und bleib immer auf dem Laufenden! blogkasten

  7. This blog post offers a deeply reflective and personal exploration of the author’s Native identity in a neo-colonial America. The author, Anjanette M. Parisien, addresses the complexities of cultural representation, identity, and the struggle to reconcile external expectations with personal truth. The piece powerfully challenges stereotypes, misconceptions, and the commercialization of Native identity, calling for authentic recognition of Indigenous peoples and cultures. A beautifully written and thought-provoking piece that invites readers to rethink their understanding of Native experiences. https://www.instagram.com/globaltalentpathway/

  8. I appreciate your article it is well written and the topic also well expleined. Keep up the good work ldii

  9. Your article was truly eye-catching and impressive, thank you! Sharing C_THR92_2405 valid test simulator materials for free—good luck on your exams!

  10. The article gave me so much to think about. Free Latest SPLK-1002 exam practice materials available—wishing you all success in your exams!

  11. For over 20 years, our mission has been to provide only the finest natural products which are ethically produced using the best quality, natural ingredients available. christmas gifts for her

  12. I’m deeply thankful for your article, it truly impressed me. The 5V0-92.22 test sample exam papers are shared for free. Best of luck to all!

  13. I havent any word to appreciate this post…..Really i am impressed from this post….the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. olympus 1000

  14. Fantastic work, instantly deserving of a like. The Latest exam CIMAPRO19-CS3-1 dumps questions exam was the turning point for my career and salary increase—get it for free today!

  15. With the launch of several cryptocurrency platforms, Bitcoin Apex has stepped into the game as well. This amazing trading platform works using AI bots and leverages technology to provide users with the best insights, helping them trade effectively. bitcoin apex canada

  16. Ganabaj offers a profound reflection on the Native experience in neo-colonial America, weaving culture and identity into higher education discourse. Perfect to pair with a Walking Dead Costume —stand out while embracing stories that truly matter

  17. Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account
    it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However,
    how can we communicate?

    Review my blog – medical

  18. Paragonix Earn is a cryptocurrency trading platform developed for a wide range of users, from novices to advanced traders, providing tools to facilitate a smooth and secure trading experience. paragonix earn

  19. It is a groundbreaking skincare treatment designed to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. It is made from hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that promotes skin elasticity and hydration. Profhilo injections

  20. whoah this weblog is excellent i like studying your posts.
    Keep up the good work! You understand, lots of individuals are searching around for this information, you can aid them greatly.

    Also visit my page click here

  21. 我們都知道在現在這個競爭激烈的IT行業,擁有一些IT相關認證證書是很有必要的。IT認證證書是對你的IT專業知識和經驗的最好證明。在IT行業中EMC D-PVM-DS-23 認證考試是一個很重要的認證考試,但是通過EMC D-PVM-DS-23 認證考試是有一定難度的。但是為了能讓工作職位有所提升花點金錢選擇一個好的培訓機構來幫助你通過考試是值得的。NewDumps擁有最新的針對EMC D-PVM-DS-23認證考試的培訓資料,與真實的考試很95%相似性。如果你使用NewDumps提供的培訓,你可以100%通過考試。如果你考試失敗,我們會全額退款。

  22. AnimeFlix is a fantastic platform for watching anime online, offering a wide range of popular and lesser-known series and movies. The website’s layout is simple and easy to navigate, making it convenient to search for your favorite shows or discover new ones. The streaming quality is excellent, with minimal buffering, even for HD content. While ads are present, they’re relatively manageable compared to similar free platforms. The regular updates and large library make it a go-to choice for anime fans who want to stay current with the latest episodes or revisit classics. Overall, AnimeFlix click here delivers a reliable and enjoyable experience for anime lovers.

  23. Wow, what a large understand! I absolutely enjoyed how you approached this matter — it’s definitely something I haven’t contemplation in the matter of in that
    modus operandi before. Your insights were super attractive, and I love how you мейд the
    whole shebang so relatable. I can’t wait to charge of more posts like this!
    Accumulate up the horrifying industry!
    xxx gay

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *