Page 22 - FMH9

NAVAJO & PUNK
Note on the terms: I have very explicitly chosen the words Native, Native American, Indigenous, and Indian, for this piece. I use them interchangeably but with intent as these words carry a specific history and connotation. I also have intentionally used the word Navajo as opposed to Diné, for personal reasons.
I have identified as a Navajo punk for most of my life, which is almost as long as I’ve also been questioned for identifying as such. Most folks cannot comprehend a Native American being into punk rock, as the two seem antithesis to one another. This is surpris- ing to me since I come from a family of punk siblings and cousins, and where my hometown also had a plethora of Native punks.
It was obvious to us that being Native meant not fitting into the dominant society and questioning the status quo, which fit nicely into the attitude and politics of punk. Our families also understood this and were accepting of us children getting into punk. To them, our appearance didn’t make us who we were, it was our actions.
I never had problems until I moved away from Arizona. Suddenly, being a Navajo punk was an issue and I was repeatedly ques- tioned about my identity.
Are you a real Native American?
Did you grow up on a reservation? Do you know your culture?
Are you a full blooded indian?
Are you sure?
My interest in punk was never questioned, only my ethnicity. I couldn’t believe how blatant folks were in questioning me about my personal life. And I was expected to answer. To defend myself. And this wasn’t just from non-Natives, but Natives as well.