ANSWER2
All Nations Strong Warriors for Environment and Resurgence2
Mandate:
The mandate of the ANSWER2 (All Nations Strong Warriors for the Environment and Resurgence) Collective is to walk the path of resurgence and environmental protection through performances of song and dance. Learning from knowledge keepers and elders, creating new songs and dances while sharing those from their traditions will ensure their continuous growth. The collective is made up of female identifying and two spirit Indigenous people who endeavor to honour and inspire their Indigenous communities, and to educate others in Indigenous worldview of Mother Earth. The Collective is committed to building respectful relationships by following protocol of the nation in whose territory they perform by researching the First Peoples’ Arts Map, the First Peoples’ Language Map and by meeting face to face with the nation. The Collective will educate new members and offer an open door for a 2-year space of cultural learning and longer if requested.
Philosophy:
ANSWER2, is committed to serving and protecting the environment through traditional teachings. Using language, history, storytelling and laughter they strive to inspire others to care for Mother Earth. They support deep cultural learning, fostering and nurturing cultural homes for Urban Indigenous who identify as women and two spirits so they may walk in the fullness of their identities as Indigenous people. The members are passionate about learning each other’s culture, language and traditions and respecting the similarities and differences. Some of the members are already being empowered and are healing as they face inter-generational trauma and the loss of culture due to the impact of colonization. ANSWER2 also maintains a focus on youth, supporting female identifying and two spirit youth, as the future for Indigenous peoples. They work with youth, mentoring in singing, dancing and cultural workshops, and sharing performance opportunities to encourage their growth in confidence and identity as the next generation to care for the land.