Stigma

Me: ~Greets regular customer. Gives hug.~
Customer: You know, you are the only one who ever greets me like this. No one ever talks to me.
Me: It’s my pleasure! ~We talk about my Engage North experience and how I’ll be living on reserve for four months.
Customer: You know, us Natives are friendly. It’s just the way they portray us.
Me: I know, I love you guys.

I hate this; the stigma associated with Indigenous people. It’s often a judgement that creates a stereotype. This customer use to be very closed off and non-trusting of me. However, I found that in time this elder was a sweet lady that just wanted someone to talk to without the judgement. It’s making these genuine connections with people and not judging them based upon stereotypes. It’s getting to know someone genuinely and being open to talk.

Not a lot of people understand the complexity that arises with Indigenous and minority groups. Intergenerational trauma (connected to one of my main areas of interest-emotional geography) is such a prevalent and often misunderstood thing. Not a lot of people understand the generations of hurt and oppression that cultures face and the effects they have as a result.

Anyway, what I want to say is I’ve met so many kind and humble Indigenous individuals; some were closed off due to these perceptions. Many of my Indigenous customers were so great in getting to know, that I wish this stigma would end. This is just my rant of the day.

Until next time, keep dreaming my friends!

-Johnny