Chad Valdez (Diné) is a writer currently residing in Denver, CO, and working as a bookseller. He holds a Master's degree in Fine Arts in Fiction with a minor in Native American studies from New Mexico State University where he was the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. He has taught undergraduate courses in English and Creative Writing where he was able to share his love of Indigenous storytelling and understanding of epistemology. His writing has appeared in Windward Review, CBR.com among other outlets. This is Chads audio story called 'Split Decision'.
In 2018 and 2019, there has been an increase in suicides amongst Indigenous Peoples, specifically in Australia. Why is this happening at such an alarming rate? What is the cause of these deaths, especially among the youth.
Producer : Shaldon Ferris (Khoisan, South Africa)
Interviewee: Pat Dudgeon, Australia
Picture: An Indigenous Australian Man chats on his cellphone, courtesy of Cultural Survival
Music: Lights in the Forest by Yarina, used with permission.
These indigenous youth leaders from around the world say that everyone has some form of indigenous roots, and if those roots are disconnected, one must communicate with indigenous persons directly in order to begin to understand them. Indigenous people around the world share many common struggles but continue to fight for their rights.
These Indigenous youth leaders voice the importance of continuing the fight for Indigenous rights and how it is vital for indigenous persons to understand and embrace the roots of their community.