Hear profiles of resilience during this evening of storytelling, hosted by Pass The Mic guest curator Tripp Crouse.
Indigenous people have their identity pulled in many directions in 2022. Even after surviving hundreds of years of colonial practices, attempted assimilation and historical and cultural genocide, Indigenous people who are also queer, trans or Two-Spirit identified must also navigate a complex pathway of stereotypes, homophobia and transphobia.
Join Chloey Cavanaugh, Cam Kuulaaluraq, and Ciugun Wallace for a night of storytelling as our guests share personal moments, reflect on life lessons, and celebrate the joy of being one’s authentic self. Free. Registration encouraged. If arriving late, please use the 7th Avenue entrance and proceed up to the 3rdfloor.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Chloey Cavanaugh is an LGBTQ+ indigenous artist - Was'ineidi Tax'Hit, Eagle Wolf clan in Kake, Alaska. She credits her commitment to community and culture to her grandfather Archie Cavanaugh whom she started her business Black and White Raven Company after. Born and raised in Southeast, Chloey believes that the panhandle of Alaska is more than the enchanting beauty it beholds. Still, a teacher, a way of life, and a distinct part of her Tlingit identity passed down from generation to generation. Chloey graduated with her associate's Degree from Cottey College and her Bachelor's Degree in Strategic Communications: Integrated Marketing from Stephens College. Chloey believes Indigenous voices belong in all spaces and seeks to use her traditional Tlingit values to guide her.
Cam Kuulaaluraq is Inupiaq born in Utqiagvik and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. They are a political and Two Spirit Activist who previously worked for The Alaska Center on projects against Pebble Mine & supporting the Roadless Rule. Cam is a co-founder of Aurora Pride — a group providing a safe space for LGBT+ Alaska Natives & Native Americans. They believe strongly in decolonizing views on Gender & Sexuality and empowering native voices in the arena of environmental justice. They have a B.A in Liberal Studies with a minor in Business. Cam hopes to return to Alaska Pacific University for a Masters in Business Administration concentrating in Non-Profit Management.
Kelsey Ciugun Wallace is originally from Mamterilleq (Bethel), Alaska located on the Kuskokwim River. Her maternal grandparents are the late Tsaliaq Moses Mojin and Ciukaq Mary Mojin of Nunapitchuk and her paternal grandparents are the late Shirley and John Wallace of Wisconsin. Wallace is the daughter of John Wallace and Sheila Cingarkaq Wallace of in Bethel, Alaska. Wallace is a mother of two, who are the source of her inspiration and passion in life. Ciugun most enjoys spending time being active with her family and enjoying shared time eating Native foods.
Tripp J Crouse is niizh manidoowag (Two-Spirit) Ojibwe (descendent, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) queer trans journalist, reporter and audio producer; and self-described unaccomplished dabbler of the arts, performance and writing. Tripp is the communications specialist for Spruce Root, a community and economic development non-profit in Southeast Alaska. Previously Tripp was news director for KNBA, a Native-owned-and-operated public radio station in Anchorage. Originally from rural southern Illinois, Crouse moved to Alaska in 2016 to join KTOO, Juneau’s news public radio station, and moved again in 2018 to begin working for KNBA and Koahnic Broadcast Corporation.