Highlighting Indigenous Creators on TikTok

At TikTok, we are constantly inspired by the way creators build connections and foster community. In celebration of Native American Heritage month, we are proud to highlight Indigenous creators who are making a significant impact both on and off the platform. Let's meet some of these incredible creators: @asheisgod, @johnbarbachano, @nativephotography, and @roxyrendoes.

@asheisgod, also known as Asheisgod, is a queer Inuk TikTok Creator who shares her experiences as a mixed and queer individual through storytelling and personal anecdotes. Her content focuses on uplifting Indigenous voices and challenging harmful stereotypes that affect Indigenous people.

@johnbarbachano, named John, grew up in Alaska and later did missionary work for Native American Reservations in Arizona. Currently attending college in Idaho, he uses his TikTok platform to highlight his experiences as a Native person.

@nativephotography, known as Chante', creates emotional, educational, and informative videos about the Native community. From native storytimes to singing, skits, and photography, Chante' aims to change lives by encouraging people to be themselves and let their personalities shine.

@roxyrendoes, also known as Roxy Ren, is an Afro-Indigenous beauty inclusivity and mental health activist with over 20 years of experience. Her goal is to help others find peace and clarity through beauty videos and vlogs, regardless of their race or age. Roxy is a proud LA resident and a makeup artist working in film, TV, and print worldwide.

Each of these creators brings a unique perspective and contributes to the Indigenous community in their own way. They share their culture, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusivity both on and off TikTok.

When asked about what it means to be part of the Indigenous community, Asheisgod emphasizes the importance of unlearning western ways of thinking and knowing, and the need for critical thinking and decolonization to relearn Indigenous practices. John highlights the unity in purpose and healing within the community. Chante' feels honored to be part of the community and uses his platform to bring awareness to the beauty and issues faced by Indigenous people. For Roxy, the Indigenous community represents family and roots, providing a sense of belonging.

The culture of these creators has greatly influenced and shaped them. Asheisgod acknowledges that her culture, including family, language, homelands, and community elders, has played a significant role in shaping her identity. John's culture reminds him of who he is and who he aspires to be. Chante' finds humility and appreciation for the little things in life through his culture, along with a deep spiritual connection. Roxy's culture has taught her patience, wisdom, and the importance of living a peaceful life.

On TikTok, these creators share their culture through various means. Asheisgod uplifts Indigenous perspectives and voices, supports Native-owned clothing, and creates Indigenous artwork. John creates TikTok videos that Native Americans can relate to and leads a Native American society in college. Chante' uses TikTok to talk about issues, do skits, and share storytimes and history videos about Native culture. Off TikTok, Chante' is involved in his Native community in Columbus, Ohio, running a Native American street food truck to share their culture and traditional foods. Roxy offers support to her Native and Black family on TikTok and conducts research with her grandfather to learn more about her culture's history. She also attends cultural events whenever possible.

The TikTok community has been a great source of inspiration for these creators. Asheisgod has learned the importance of staying true to oneself and surrounding oneself with supportive and understanding individuals. John sees a unique sense of connectedness within the TikTok community, where they learn about each other's tribes and motivations. Chante' has been inspired by the community's acceptance of individuality and uniqueness. Roxy credits the TikTok community for helping her embrace her true self and find her center of peace.

When it comes to content creation, these creators offer valuable tips. Asheisgod advises creating content that brings happiness and encourages building new skills. John emphasizes the importance of being oneself and embracing one's culture while raising awareness. Chante' encourages authenticity and being real, standing out from other creators. Roxy suggests being true to oneself and letting go of negativity when facing obstacles.

Finally, there are other Indigenous TikTok creators worth following and watching. Asheisgod recommends @kwahadi, John suggests @brettstoise and @notoriouscree, Chante' mentions @notoriouscree, @shinanova, @desertndn, and @the_land, and Roxy suggests @recycldstardust and @nativewomanruns.

These Indigenous creators on TikTok are making a significant impact by sharing their culture, challenging stereotypes, and promoting inclusivity. They inspire others to embrace their true selves, learn about different cultures, and build a supportive community.