Decolonizing the media at IndigiNews is a family affair. Since early 2020, Lauren Marchand, has been working behind the scenes supporting her sister, IndigiNews’ cultural editor and senior Aunty, Kelsie Kilawna.
Back when IndigiNews was just an idea, Lauren and Kelsie were living together and would spend their evenings sipping tea and talking about their vision for community storytelling that uplifted syilx people.
“I’ve watched its birth and its growth,” says Lauren. She’s a sister, mother, and has recently become a graphic artist. So, naturally, when IndigiNews decided to create swag for the first time, Lauren stepped in to help.
Right now, we’re trying to get 200 people to become paying monthly supporters of IndigiNews — and that’s where the swag comes in. In true sqilxw way, we’ll reciprocate and give people something in return. We’ve made 75 stickers, 75 totes, and 50 t-shirts. The stickers and totes feature Lauren’s senk’lip (coyote) design.
“I see IndigiNews as the coyotes of the media, here to teach lessons,” Lauren explains. In her drawing, which she calls “coyote goes viral,” senk’lip is sitting in front of a computer sipping mountain medicine tea. If you look closely, you’ll see that he has sticks holding open his eyes.
“I woke up one morning and this image popped into my head,” Lauren says. “Coyote is a very big teacher for us. He’s a kind of trickster and real sassy. He’s all about making big changes and transformations, just like IndigiNews.”
When explaining the significance of the sticks, Lauren says senk’lip is “trying to see really clearly.” It’s meant to symbolize that IndigiNews has eyes out watching.
Within our team, we often call IndigiNews a sisterhood. So, it feels right to have Lauren’s syilx art contribute to our ongoing efforts to make sure Indigenous stories are heard, understood and respected.
“I know a large vision of IndigiNews is to show the beauty within Indigenous people, because media is so rooted in trauma,” Lauren says. “That’s something that we need more of.”
Asked what it will be like to see people walking around with her design, she says she can’t believe it.
“It’s crazy to think that something that used to live in my head is now with other people and they see value in it.”
If you want to get your hands on IndigiNews’ swag, head to our website and sign up to become a monthly supporter. All of the support we receive will go towards our storytelling and efforts to decolonize the media.
