Page 23 - FMH9

For these people who so flippantly questioned my identity, being Native American was a very narrow and regulated concept, which punk had no part in. To them, a “real” Native American was some- one who had never assimilated into the dominant society and lived in a traditional way reminiscent of their ancestors, which in short, is a totally unrealistic and romanticized expectation of Native Americans. It is also a very easy way to dismiss Native Americans as participants of contemporary society. If there are no “true” Native Americans left, then there is no need of accountability for the stealing of land, taking of culture, and the denial of Indigenous rights.
Since punk is considered part of contemporary society, my ascribed identity as a Navajo punk was confusing for folks. I just couldn’t be a real Indian if I was into punk. There had to be something wrong with me. And I would have believed it too, if it weren’t for how accepting my family was. I remember when I asked my Mom what she thought about all her kids getting into punk, and she laughed and said punk was our American Indian Movement. She got it, and that was all I needed.
I will continue to identify as a Navajo punk, because I can and it is what I choose. It’s not much, but it gives some sort of alternative to the narrative Natives are inundated with. Native Americans do not live in two worlds; we don’t have to play Indian to be Native American and we aren’t assimilated if we have interests outside of our culture. It is our right to define ourselves and to challenge that is just another form of genocide.
Kesheena Doctor
goingplaceszine@gmail.com