Places to find positive community stories
Hello everyone. I’ll start by saying I’m not First Nations, and I hope this comes across the right way.
I’ve been trying to find more positive, forward-looking stories from First Nations communities online — the great things people and communities are doing, accomplishing, creating, and celebrating, no matter how big or small.
I work for a large corporation in Nova Scotia that, like many companies, has DEI and First Nations initiatives. Whenever I go to head office for training or education sessions, the focus is almost always on trauma-related stories. Those stories absolutely matter and must not be forgotten, but I’ve always felt like there are so many other stories worth hearing too. Sometimes it feels like the focus stays so heavily on the negative, trying to continue a cycle of victimhood, comes across as performative like their land acknowledgements. To me it paint this picture of "oh we need to help those poor people" because we are better, rather than demonstrating the strength of your communities and people. While we occasionally have someone who is part first nations delivering it, it's frequently an older white woman. The same woman who would tell me about the black experience in Nova Scotia (the shock when I told her that I may be white, but a large part of my extended family is black. So what is new to her is just normal family stuff to me)
It's a complete contrast to actual conversations I’ve had while working in the field with First Nations people. It’s just people talking to people. I got to meet David Burbine and chat about his music career. I’ve talked with others about how First Nations TikTok is honestly one of the only reasons I still open that app. There are so many funny, talented, creative people — you all seriously need a comedy festival.
I’d really appreciate any recommendations for books, websites, creators, podcasts, documentaries, or social media accounts that focus on positive community stories, culture, achievements, humour, art, music, or just everyday life. Thanks you all in advance.