I am both identities. I’m not two halves of a person put together. I exist in both cultures. I have white privilege but I am still Iñupiaq. My Iñupiaq identity has nothing to do with how I present to (white) people which is white passing. Me acknowledging both is important. https://twitter.com/ih_dasilva54/status/1260647392027672579

My privilege allows me to have access to resources and spaces that others don’t so it’s my job to make sure I’m doing the work so others have access to these spaces too. Just because I’m Iñupiaq doesn’t mean I don’t have to do the work as a white person!

I can’t say this for non-white but white passing natives. I can’t speak on that dynamic. But listen to the criticism your community gifts you. Sometimes it’s born out of internalized trauma and that’s still valid. Don’t take these criticisms too personally. We’re all hurting.