We also have to do and be better at supporting Indigenous Peoples, their ways of knowing, their ways of being, and their creativity, innovation, and brilliance, because what we know and carry is often a threat to settler colonialism.

All of which is necessary for a liberating future.

Generally though, we have to do and be better at supporting artists and creatives, because the general disdain for the arts is curating a world that lacks color, imagination, and creativity.

Through such partnerships, this minimizes their actions of appropriation and inability to be creativite and innovative by using other’s brilliance.

And that’s partly why I’m so hesitant to celebrate some moments of Indigenous representation, esp when they’re not rooted in liberation and community.

I fear that brands, orgs, and companies are going to continue taking advantage of our desires and dreams of representation by partnering with notable people in our communities.

Unfortunately, I don’t think brands, orgs, and companies will stop stealing and exploiting people, especially those who are marginalized.

So not only are we dealing with the demands of capitalism to somehow live, the stealing of Indigenous artwork and stories, but also the dwindling access to water all because someone lacks the ability to imagine and create and would prefer a quick buck by using others brilliance 🫠

From my understanding, generative AI uses other artists creativity to generate its terrible own, and the amount of water being used to product a single shitty image is abysmal.

However, current capitalistic and colonizing attitudes, don’t value people and presence that are community-oriented, and that’s a scary problem we’re going to be having, especially given what is happening with AI.

Much of, if not most, Indigenous artwork is rooted in storytelling, and our stories aren’t just stories. They hold lessons, memories, guidance, and knowledge.

Our artwork is generative because it’s community-oriented.

To use our stories, our materials, and our symbols without our permission is a slap to the Métis and Dene communities, and also shows other Indigenous communities how much they don’t care about their actions and impact by stealing another Indigenous community’s brilliance.

Valentino’s misuse of Métis and Dene artwork is an act of disrespect for Indigenous ways of being and knowing, our stories and experiences informs much of the artwork that we create and share with the world.

Always remember that all systems of violence, oppression, and exploitation are interconnected.

And I say that because Valentino’s recent misuse of Métis and Dene beadwork is part of a larger problem that society has towards Indigenous Peoples and the arts.

And for my beautiful and brilliant Trans Relatives, grieve and dream, and dream of a world filled with possibility.

I am so proud of you. I am so proud of who you have become despite the hate in this colonizing world.

We deserve so much better. Take care of yourself today. Okay? 💛

Learn the names of those who have passed.

Follow and support Trans-led organizations, Trans artists, Trans influencers, and more.

Learn about the anti-trans legislation happening in your state and join organizations fighting these injustices.

For this Trans Day of Remembrance, do more, always do more than just honor and grieve for us.

Fight….fight for our right to exist, to live, and to be happy.

Today is a particularly heavy day because like many of you, I am afraid of what will happen to our community, but I still have hope.

I still have hope that there is a world that is just and free, a world that so many of us are working towards.