ATTENTION NON-INDIGENOUS FOLX: if you are looking for speakers on Indigenous topics please don't use the same 5 Indians over and over again. Pls look for Afro-Indigenous/Black-Indigenous folx and not just white presenting/white coded Indians. Pls look for Queer/2 Spirit voices...

In these "Covid times" when many forums, and speaking platforms have gone online, please pay these speakers well! ALSO, if you are looking to hire an Elder/knowledge keeper, traditional teacher, language speaker, please compensate them well! Don't give them a sh*tty fee....

These people take time out of their lives to reflect on the best things to share. Please vet your speakers with the local Indigenous community. There are too many people pretending to be Indigenous because they think it's lucrative to be NDN. Community will know who is legit...

Don't just look for academics or Elders. Ask Youth to be on panels. Those Youth are so, so intelligent and amazing. They deserve to have their voices heard as well.
Decolonize your panels and talks.
Be f*cking punk rock and ask a baby to be guest speaker. (Joking..not joking)...

Seriously though, take a look at the list of 'go-to Indians for panels and talks, reflect on that list. Do you need to have the same speaker over and over again? You will only get ONE perspective.
Expanded your circle.

Someone emailed me to be on the radio again and I declined.
DO NOT ask me to be a speaker over and over again... ha ha.
Get other perspectives. I'm a city kid and only know city life. Don't ask me about rez or bush life

Non-Indigenous folx, PLEASE consult with community before you hoat an Indigenous talk/panel. There are some Indigenous folx out there that may be abusive/racist/anti-Black/predatory and have caused a lot of harm. It's a hard thing to face, but it is necessary to discuss.

*before you host*
(Damn typos.. )

Give an emerging Indigenous academic a chance on a panel too!
Fresh perspectives!