“Defying White Narratives: Indigenous Empowerment Through Reclaiming ‘Last'”

As an Indigenous person, confronting the label of “mediocre” in a white-dominated world is a complex and emotionally charged issue, especially when other white individuals bear witness to the ensuing struggle. The term “mediocre,” as experienced by Indigenous individuals, signifies both a personal and systemic problem, encompassing challenges of assimilation, cultural identity, and the consequences of colonialism on Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous individuals, when perceived as failing to meet the expectations of a predominantly white society, face feelings of inferiority, isolation, and the notion of being “last” in the social hierarchy. These feelings can intensify due to the pervasive issue of bullying, with peers targeting individuals based on their cultural identity, further marginalizing them.

The pressure to conform to a white-dominated world can result in invasive and inappropriate questions, both personal and professional, forcing Indigenous individuals to navigate these distressing situations. When they fail to fit into societal expectations, they can be labeled as “losers,” outcasts, or the “token hire,” perpetuating stereotypes and negative attitudes toward Indigenous peoples.

To challenge and disrupt these societal norms, Indigenous individuals may feel compelled to pursue a white colonial and inherently harmful higher education. Obtaining numerous degrees can grant them access to spaces and opportunities dominated by white supremacist society, allowing “educated” Indigenous individuals the chance to confront and dismantle supremacist systems and structures. In doing so, they aspire to assert Indigenous laws and sovereignty, breaking down colonial barriers that insulate white professionals from the world. However, they often face dismissal, ignorance, blame, passive-aggressiveness, violence, backlash, and a wide range of white temper tantrums.

It is imperative to understand that the responsibility for change should not be placed solely on the shoulders of Indigenous “tokenized” individuals in the workplace. Society as a whole must work to dismantle systemic racism and cultivate an environment in which Indigenous peoples are taken seriously, irrespective of personal and professional biases regarding the “lackluster talent” projected onto Indigenous individuals due to their status as power-brokers and game-changers.

The time for radical transformation is now. White culture must confront its own shortcomings in recognizing and adhering to Indigenous laws, lands, and cultures within the multi-juridical society in which we reside. This profound self-examination demands genuine commitment to redressing historical injustices, valuing the multifaceted and vital Indigenous ways of life, laws, and knowledge, and actively striving to create spaces that respect Indigenous individuals and communities. By embracing this journey wholeheartedly, white settler culture can significantly dismantle systemic barriers and forge a more equitable and unified society for all. This shift in perspective can be the catalyst for change, as being “first” in Canadian society is not something to be proud of. Instead, being last is a far more powerful stance.

Photo of athlete: Rosalie Fish taken by Alex Flett: news link here: https://www.wbur.org/onlyagame/2020/01/03/rosalie-fish-jordan-daniel-marie-mmiw