In Tommy Orange's book There There, the constant theme of identity and navigating the bridge between traditional and modern societies is evident throughout the storylines. One particular character, Calvin Johnson, struck a note with me as he described himself as not being able to truly understand his identity as Indigenous while also being from Oakland. While these two components of Calvin's identity are not mutually exclusive, it is clear that growing up in an urban setting with non-traditional values and influences has led Calvin to question his Indigenous identity.

In reading a post on CBC Saskatchewan recently, there was an article detailing the career progression of an Indigenous reporter, Jamin Mike, who now happens to be one of two Indigenous reporters working at the Toronto Star. Walking into the newsroom for the first time, Mike admitted that he felt very intimidated but recalled an Elder's advice that he had received earlier on his road towards pursuing his education, noting, "[the elder stated that] he became a true Nehiyaw when he realized that the universe was his home, and not the reserve where the government had put his people." This statement describes the fact that you do not have to let your surroundings define you, or minimize parts of you to fit into a stereotype, just as Calvin did in Orange's book. Definitely a lesson that we can all take to heart.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/jamin-mike-talks-about-the-importance-of-representation-1.6639576