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Y’all. This Michelle Latimer shit is upsetting. I’m pissed. But please give people a minute to react OK? Don’t assume that silence for a few hours after the article comes out means people are complicit or supportive of fake natives.
I found out on Oct 20 that serious questions were being raised. I spoke/emailed with Michelle, and eventually realized she wasn’t going to be transparent. But I knew an article was coming, and so I had to wait just like everyone else to learn some facts that she was not sharing.
I know I’m not the only one wanting to say some harsh words, but being careful so as not to further hurt other native people, both inside and outside the film industry.
Also, do NOT mistake the careful and/or delayed words from many native people right now as hesitance to criticize her actions.
Nobody but Kitigan Zibi has any business telling anyone whether or not she is claimed by them. We all have to respect their sovereignty.
Nobody but Kitigan Zibi has any business telling anyone whether or not she is claimed by them. We all have to respect their sovereignty.
Many of us, even those who knew earlier than others that there were questions, did not know that the kin she is claiming are from the 1700s. That was not the narrative she presented to me the one time I spoke to her by phone in October.
It’s easy to reflexively blast someone online. But doing it in a way that doesn’t also hurt all the legit natives around us who struggle with reconnecting to community due to colonial violence takes care and thought.
I’m putting together some thoughts, and will try to make them make sense and post, hopefully tomorrow. In the mean time, be pissed, but 
sakes, direct your anger at her, not the people around her that she hurt.
Good night, end of rant.
sakes, direct your anger at her, not the people around her that she hurt.Good night, end of rant.
