Thrivance is My Identity: Moving Beyond Survival

In this article I explore the significance of ancestral homelands to Blackfeet identity. Through analysis stories and our historical on-going fight for land sovereignty examine entanglements settler colonial formations ideologies within Indigenous communities without reinforcing a problematic “plight Indian” logic. While information presented here may contain some elements pain, focus centers on pushing beyond theory survivance thrivance, emphasizing an understanding own ways-of-knowing practices. A thrivance is important as it moves statement survival “we are here, we productive, continue thrive contribute today’s world.” addition, accentuates importance traditional practices healing positive sense identity dignity. This emphasis contributes Native American studies, ethnic studies; but most importantly offers hope through reintroducing identity, thus encouraging more balanced harmonious communities.