June is National Indigenous History Month, a time for Canadians to recognize and celebrate the rich history and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across the country. This year, the TikTok Indigenous Visionary Voices List recognizes visionary creatives, business owners and industry disruptors who are using TikTok to educate, entertain and advocate for the Indigenous community, on and off the platform. We chatted with one on the #IndigenousTikTok Visionary Voices List, Kairyn Potts, to learn more. —Vita Daily
Please tell us a bit about yourself to start (first/last names, pronouns, some personal background/details, etc.)!
My name is Kairyn Potts (he/him), I am Stoney from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. I am a Two Spirit content creator, writer, and actor. I live in Tkaronto (original name of Toronto) but am originally from Edmonton in Treaty 6 territory.
How did you achieve (and continue to grow) your TikTok audience?
It started during the pandemic. I downloaded the app as a way to pass the time, but I eventually discovered my genuine interest in creating. I started small by trying out trends and lip-syncs until I found that sharing parts of my identity which I, at the time, thought were just boring everyday things, were actually largely untaught or new to many non-indigenous people. I love to share, so I started putting effort into creating 2-3 videos daily, sharing laughs and educating people about indigenous culture, specifically Two-Spirit identity.
What do you like about TikTok as a platform, especially in terms of how you can use it to influence and inspire those that follow you, and to create social change?
I love that my content and many indigenous creators’ content can be pushed onto the For You Page, where folks who haven’t discovered the content are able to watch it without having to search for it. It has given #NativeTiktok the push to become successful and popular. Canadian Settlers don’t know that they want to experience Indigenous content at first, but when it comes across their pages, they realize how much they love it I’d found.
What topics do you cover/share most? Where do your passions lie?
Have you ever had to deal with haters/naysayers on social media? If so, what’s your approach?
I share a lot about the history of my Two-Spirit identity, as well as my language and different concepts like that. I also share a ton of skits and comedic sketches I’ve written and directed, and acted in myself. I am passionate about advocating for indigenous youth rights, specifically Two Spirit youth and youth in care. I also am passionate about indigenous joy and laughter. I receive many negative comments from bigots and colonizers; the internet is not a safe space, but it’s even worse when you exist as a queer BIPOC creator. My years of doing content have desensitized me to hatred. I have learned not to devote energy to it, and instead, I utilize my social media tools in my settings to filter out negative words. I usually delete comments that serve no purpose other than to hurt me. I am a big fan of the block button, too!
What have some of the highlights of being so prominent on TikTok been for you?
Being able to travel to different events around the world. Titkok has invited me to some pretty incredible events, including award shows, red carpets, workshops, premieres, and more.
June is National Indigenous History Month; what is the significance to you, and how are you using your voice to create change, establish community and help people in your community (and others) feel seen and understood?
I continue to do what I always do: live unapologetically and proudly. I am also partnering with some great companies whose goals are to provide services and support to the indigenous community at large. Things like scholarships, bursaries, workshops, gifts, and more are essential for me to pass along to my followers. This month is significant because many organizations are tuning into the social media world and looking for ways to support and learn more about our people. I want to make sure I am advocating as much as I can about the things that matter.
With so many people following you on TikTok, who are some of your favourite accounts to follow?
I’m a big fan of Sherry McKay, Haley Robinson, Scott Wabano, NotoriousCree, Tia Wood, and so so many more, there are too many to name!
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