This year my identity came to question, because for years I felt that as long I was born here and grew closer culturally I’d be accepted. But now I understand that isn’t true. Even being born here or being closer to its culture, to this country, just based on how I look. I will never be treated like one of them.

I was fortunate to grow up in an accepting/welcoming city. It made me feel like past rhetoric was simply that, that past.

I’ve spent time learning about my native history and what colonialism caused for my ancestors. Every attempt they made to eradicate our history and culture. To a large extent I believe they succeeded, the fact the language and culture are different. It’s like we only carry our past through our mixed colored skin and nothing more.