Celebrating Indigenous Creators on TikTok

As we conclude the fourth week of Native American Heritage Month, let's take a moment to celebrate and recognize the inspiring Indigenous creators on TikTok. In this spotlight series, we introduce four talented individuals: @giiwedinindizhinikaaz, @indigenouszane, @nayhamills2, and @reynachabeli.

@giiwedinindizhinikaaz, also known as Giiwedin, is an Ojibwe water protector from northern Minnesota. He is a college student majoring in STEM and a climate activist. Giiwedin shares his culture and experiences as a Native youth, with a focus on raising awareness about climate issues and centering Indigenous perspectives.

@indigenouszane, or Zane Switzer, is a 20-year-old Sunni-Muslim Indigenous person of Nahua and Otomi descent. He educates people about Indigenous history, including states named after Indigenous words, tribal history, and Indigenous languages. Zane aims to promote understanding and appreciation for Indigenous cultures.

@nayhamills2, also known as Nayha Mills, is a Native makeup artist who inspires young Native youth to pursue their dreams while embracing their Native culture. Growing up on the Yakama Reservation, Nayha attends Yakama Nation Tribal school and participates in various sports. She uses her platform to address important issues in the Native community, such as the missing and murdered Indigenous women.

@reynachabeli, or Reyna Chabeli, is a Zapotec graphic artist from Oaxaca, Mexico. Her artwork and TikTok videos focus on promoting the visibility of Indigenous People of Mexico and highlighting the continued existence of Indigenous languages and traditions.

These creators are proud members of the Indigenous community, and they share what it means to them. For Giiwedin, being part of the Indigenous community is a form of resistance against colonization. Indigenous Zane feels honored, important, and special. Nayha sees strength in being part of the Indigenous community, while Reyna values the opportunity to pass on her native language and traditions to the younger generation.

Their cultures have greatly influenced and shaped them. Giiwedin's culture has given him the tools and courage to stand up for what is right, especially in protecting the environment. Indigenous Zane has learned to love his own skin and appreciates his culture, which he shares with others. Nayha believes her culture has made her the strong woman she is today, and it motivates her to educate others through her makeup videos. Reyna's culture has taught her to see the beauty in herself and embrace her Indigenous features.

On TikTok, these creators share their cultures through informative and fun videos. They use trending audios or create their own to talk and teach about their cultures. Off TikTok, they engage in various activities to share their knowledge, such as participating in water protector gatherings, events, public speeches, and selling traditional crafts.

The TikTok community has been a source of inspiration for these creators. It has motivated them to build platforms for themselves, educate others, and make a positive impact on people's lives. They have also found support and connection with other Indigenous creators, which further inspires them to advocate for their communities.

For aspiring creators, they offer some content creation tips. Giiwedin advises not to be overly concerned about appearance but to focus on the messages being shared. Indigenous Zane emphasizes the importance of being authentic and original. Nayha encourages creators to be themselves and not worry about others' opinions. Reyna suggests finding a specific niche that interests you, as it makes content creation more enjoyable and engaging.

Finally, they recommend following other Indigenous TikTok creators. Some notable ones include @shinanova, @ugrunna, @tiamischik, @indigenous_baddie, @auntcalei, @notoriouscree, @magueyerx, and @mendoza.arte.

In conclusion, these Indigenous creators on TikTok are using their platforms to educate, inspire, and promote the visibility of Indigenous cultures and issues. They are proud members of the Indigenous community, sharing their knowledge, experiences, and talents with the world.