7 - Speak up when you observe cultural appropriation
This series of blog posts is inspired by the list 21 Things You Can Do to Change the World created by Bob Joseph in his book 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act. Focusing on actionable steps, these blog posts will take each step and provide links, contacts, and suggestion lists.
View all of our 21 Things posts here.
The seventh action we chose to highlight is Speak up when you observe cultural appropriation. Ensure you don’t promote cultural appropriation when choosing a Halloween costume.
Cultural appropriation is a complex topic, and many find the nuances of it overwhelming. One definition of the term is the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society.
ICTINC - Why cultural appropriation is disrespectful
As it applies to Halloween and costumes we must think of the sacred nature of dress for Indigenous peoples. Feather headdresses, jingle dresses, and button blanket capes are not costumes, they are adornments used in sacred rituals and customs.
Canadian Encyclopedia - Indigenous Regalia in Canada
In the history of colonization, we know that government officials and those seeking to assimilate and erase First Nation, Metis and Inuit culture took away their rights to dress in traditional and ceremonial clothing. From the late 19th century until 1951, the Indian Act restricted Indigenous ceremonies, such as the potlatch and the Sun Dance, which prevented the wearing of regalia typically worn at these events. Traditional dress was also forbidden in residential schools, in which children were forced to wear uniforms and their hair was cut short.
NPR - Cultural Appropriation: A Perennial Issue on Halloween
When choosing a Halloween costume, it is necessary to make sure you are not dressing up as an ethnicity, race or culture that is not your own. It is racist to do so. Halloween should be a time for fun for everyone and instead Indigenous people are often forced to witness others using their culture as a stereotype or parody. An important step in reconciliation is to ensure that our friend groups, families, and communities do not engage in cultural appropriation during Halloween or any costume parties.
LSPIRG - This article has great tips on what to doif you see cultural appropriation and how to host an equitable Halloween party
Local Love - This article has a great section that addresses why pop culture costumes like Moana can be okay for children, though stresses that it should also be an opportunity to talk to them about other cultures.
These blog posts are designed to be a starting point to help people toward the path of reconciliation and allyship. We encourage everyone to do their own reading and research. Want to learn more? Check out the Indigenous Relations Academy, which has books, training, and resources. You can also purchase 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act here.