Ep206: Awakening her Indigenous Spirit - Fighting Academic Racism, with Jill Featherstone

“I started learning about residential schools. I started learning about generational trauma and that's when I realized like, okay, there's nothing wrong with us. I'm not broken. There's things that happened that caused us to be living this way. And once I realized that there was nothing wrong with me and with my people, that's when I really started to regain a lot of strength and courage."

This special episode is released on National Indigenous Peoples' Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

So today's episode features Jill Featherstone, a wonderful Indigenous mother, grandmother, university professor, and author of the book, “The Tale of Tiger Lily”. In fact, Jill is so good, she was continuously accused of plagiarism as a student.

From Jill’s story, you’ll see why decolonization is needed in our universities and schools. How can education based in brick buildings and academic papers truly value teachings from oral traditions and land-based skills?

I could say more, but I’d rather let her speak for herself.  Before we hear from Jill, please be aware that we speak openly about racist events and discrimination that may be painful and distressing to you. If you are a survivor of residential schools or related trauma, and need help – please call the Indian Residential Schools 24/7 Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419. 

Contact me and find JEDI resources at:  https://www.changinglenses.ca/

In this episode, we talk about:

• Treaty status and living on reserve - rights controlled by colonization
• Youthful rebellion as a response to continuous racist attacks
• Regaining her identity and culture that was lost
• Racism from university professors - fighting for her education like fighting a war
• Racism against Jill's little girl
• Strength and courage to pursue her dream of writing
• Helping Indigenous youth today to be proud of who they are
• Lateral violence: a direct effect of residential schools and intergenerational trauma
• Jill's book, The Tale of Tiger Lily, A Novel
• Opportunity for students and teachers to get a free author's talk from Jill!

Full transcript here.

Guest Bio and References/Links

About Jill Featherstone:
Jill is a mother of 5 and step-mom to 3. She is a wife, a grandmother, an instructor at University College of the North in Northern Manitoba, and an author.  Her novel for young adults, “The Tale of Tiger Lily”, is inspired by the character created by J.M. Barrie’s play “Peter Pan”. Jill takes us into the mind of the young Tiger Lily as she comes of age, blending cultural resonance with a classic tale.

Jill is also the founder of Featherstone Support Services, providing motivational workshops for Indigenous youth and young adults. To date she has helped hundreds of Indigenous youth and young adults find the motivation, courage and confidence to go back to school and enter into the workforce.

References and resources in this episode:

https://www.jillfeatherstone.com/ 

Tale of Tiger Lily for Teachers

Featherstone Support Services

Instagram: @_Jill_Featherstone

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