Reflections by Rev. Joanne Anquist

52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing by David A. Robertson

Week 3: Engage with Indigenous Social Media

Robertson acknowledges that social media can be a toxic environment, caused by the immediate reaction we give to immediate information – often without all the facts.  It’s important when consuming social media to wait a few days before you react!

Robertson gives the example of “pretendians” – non-indigenous folks who pass for indigenous.  Sometimes people have been accused of this and later found innocent.  He believes it’s important to follow folks who give measured responses to help navigate difficult spaces.

There are also indigenous spaces that are great sources of information which focus on empowering folks with positive topics.  Robertson notes there are sites that share an indigenous word of the day, or promote events and gatherings, among other things.  Social media also helps to mobilize people for protest, or to respond to tragedy.

Social Media is also a good way to find stories about people and to engage with them online.  Robertson says,:

We can’t always sit across from one another and share stories, so connecting online is an opportunity that we should take advantage of.  Stories are stories.  However we find them, they illuminate a path we’re all following together, side by side, to achieve the long-term goal of healing through healthy relationships built on a foundation of truth, knowledge, empathy, and respect.