How to Write Indigenous Peoples in Literature

Writing Indigenous People and Characters in Literature*

July 14, 2022

*As told through the perspective of the author of this article, who is an Indigenous writer and avid reader.

Introduction

Entertainment has always been an important part of life for so long, for so many people, and continues to influence and encourage others to make their own art based on their experiences. Media such as movies and books are still so prominent in our society, and we tend to seek out stories and characters that we can relate to. But what do we do as Indigenous people when we cannot see ourselves anywhere? When we’re bombarded with actors, TV shows, movies, novels, billboards, and more, but don’t see anything we can connect ourselves and our Indigeneity to, what message is that sending? 

To say being an Indigenous writer and reader is important, is a total understatement; It is an amalgamation of heartbreak and happiness, is a revolution of intergenerational love, is a reminder we are ever changing, a reminder we are more than the atrocities that have happened to us, a reminder we will survive. 

Why does great and accurate representation matter?

Great and accurate representation matters because it shows who we are as people, and how our many different nations and communities exist and interact with each other and the rest of the world. When one (typically a non-Indigenous person) writes about Indigenous people and relies on detrimental tropes and stereotypes, it damages our collective and individual identities, and dehumanizes us in the process.

How to write Indigenous Characters 

Opinions on ways to write Indigenous people as characters are about as diverse and intricate as our people themselves. However, the following tips are to be used as general rules:

Educate yourself on overused and harmful ideas and stereotypes

A common stereotype in writing, general media, and in life, is that all Indigenous people are alcoholics. Alcoholism is common amongst Indigenous communities, and is a symptom of colonization and intergenerational trauma. However, it is important you do not use this trauma and stereotypes to label and categorize a race of people, especially if you do not understand the complexities of addiction and the way it affects communities.

Do your research

Understand which nations you want your characters to come from. Each nation has its own unique location, language and dialect, traditions, cultures, and environment, to name a few, so write your characters accordingly. Also make sure you are helping this community in some way. Will you be helping and getting to know this community, or only researching and writing for your personal gain? Give back to this community by doing something such as donating to their local organizations and/or shelters, or supporting artists from that community.

Write about Indigenous healing and joy as much as you write about Indigenous traumas 

It’s difficult to liberate yourself from both individual and collective traumatic events, and understandably so, however, there is also so much laughter, healing, and happiness within our communities. If you are non-Indigenous, remember these are not your stories to tell. Of course you can bring attention to issues that deeply affect Indigenous communities, however, do not tell personal stories and exploit our trauma. Instead, support and amplify those who are affected. If you will be writing about someone’s personal experience with something such as residential schools, or lack of clean drinking water, make sure you have permission to do so, and compensate the person, or people, who gave you permission to share their stories.

Write healthy familial, platonic, romantic, and sexual relationships

Running jokes within Indigenous communities usually involve dysfunctional families and infidelity. Though this can be true for many Native folk, making jokes about these situations, and not taking these topics seriously when discussed, can easily become grounds to dismiss domestic and sexual abuse within Indigenous communities and relationships. Words will always matter, jokes will always matter, and it is important to be aware of what you are writing and putting out into the world.

Remember that not all Indigenous people are able-bodied, cisgender, heterosexual, neurotypical, thin people

Disabled Indigenous people exist. Transgender, non-binary, two-spirit, and Indigiqueer people exist. Neurodivergent Indigenous people exist. Fat Indigenous people exist. Mixed and Afro- Indigenous people exist. Do not pander and make your characters digestible for the White Gaze.

Read and support Indigenous writers 

If you are going to write about a marginalized group of people and profit off of it, support those who are actually Indigenous, as there is a plethora of writers, authors, and poets who can give a range of lived experiences and perspectives through their work.