For Trent Indigenous Studies student, Zhaawnong Webb, much of his Trent experience has been about getting in touch with his own Indigeneity.
He could never have anticipated the amplifier effect that his reconnective journey would have when he found a virtual community that can play an integral role in driving change towards a complete resurgence of Indigenous culture. Zhaawnong continues to share with his more than 80,000 followers on TikTok, as well as in physical spaces on Trent’s campus, including at this year’s Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering.
"Getting to be a part of the Elders Gathering this year [and] last year is a great privilege and not something I take lightly,” shares Zhaawnong. “I get to represent not only my own community, but the Indigenous community here at Trent and that gives me great pleasure."
Zhaawnong began creating social media content in September 2021 while starting his academics and reconnecting with his Anishinaabe culture and ceremonies. Through his video and education content, Zhaawnong utilizes platforms like social media and YouTube to educate and shine a light on traditional knowledge, language lessons in Anishinaabemowin and tackling misinformation about Indigenous identities and politics.
While participating in the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering at Trent, Zhaawnong shared an extensive look into the Indigenous presence on social media and how Indigenous peoples are claiming space virtually.
"I am committed to my identity as an Anishinaabe man and learning what that means to me," he shares. "I am committed to working in the community as an educator and storyteller, no matter what tools I use or what spaces I exist in."
