Indigenous In Plain Sight | Gregg Deal | TEDxBoulder

The indigenous existence in Western and American culture is narrowly viewed and accepted with little to no input from actual Indigenous people. Gregg Deal talks about the use of history as a tool while he navigates the restrictions thrusts upon his work as a contemporary artist while challenging those who hear his words to take responsibility for their knowledge, and create room for this nation’s First Peoples.
Gregg Deal is a husband, father, artist and a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. As a provocative contemporary artist-activist much of Deal’s work deals with Indigenous identity and pop culture, touching on issues of race relations, historical consideration and stereotype. With this work-including paintings, mural work, performance art, filmmaking and spoken word-Deal critically examines issues within Indian country such as decolonization, the Native mascot issue and appropriation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@KweKanata]

My mum told me about when she was taken away the woman who was in charge of her always beat her every morning for not making her bed the right way ( hospital corners) One day she seen her coming and knew she already beat another girl so she hid under her bed. When she couldn’t find her she left. Next day mum tried the same thing but not fast enough and the woman saw her so she took the broom and beat her trapped under the bed. Next day she broke the broom over her back. She had many brooms broke on her. Last year my mum had a stroke and had a cat scan on her head. The doctor told us about what was going on with her but asked me if I would know about abuse that had happened when she was younger because she had brain damage from along time ago. I just looked at him with tears in my eyes and said “ Yeah... she was in residential school.” He just looked at me in shock. She can’t tell her story so it’s my responsibility to tell it for her.

[@sacredrain7757]

KweKanata I am so sorry for what she endured, and what you carry. Tell the world what happened. You have the power to gather all peoples to your cause. My heart is with you and your seven generations.

[@endurablelive]

... Thank you for telling her story. It breaks my heart. I'm so sorry for this.

[@phoenixsky6124]

A thumbs up seems so inappropriate but I want to acknowledge that I’ve heard your story. Thank you for sharing and I am so sorry that happened!

[@KweKanata]

@@phoenixsky6124 Thank you 🙏🏼

[@romeandjames778]

Kanata.

[@stacyk.8112]

When he said that he is his grandparents greatest dreams that were never supposed to come true, that hit me hard as an indigenous women.

[@larrymoremckenzie3029]

I don't think they were allowed to have such dreams.

[@pewp_tickalar]

At first I interpreted "that hit me hard as an indigenous woman" as a tasteless joke about native women being violent.

[@1light4love]

@@pewp_tickalar Just goes to show how deep the disease of our passè Marginalization has become. DON'T EVER STOP SHINING YOUR LIGHT, STACY!!!! 🙏I honor you!! & we NEED you!!!

[@ronniekassis6089]

Me to as a two spirits

[@beckymiller857]

@@larrymoremckenzie3029 oh

[@fabricesioul3397]

The more I know about indigenous history, the more I am shocked how come half of the country is not restituted to them, how come the biggest genocide in human history is still unpunished today, how come they are second class citizen when there is no such thing as greed or disrespect or egotism in their traditional social structure... these people should be guides for humankind as a whole... I am so angry... may justice come, I wish this from the bottom of my heart, from France and Guadeloupe, stay strong indigenous peoples, you have much much much more value than what you think or those inferring that you do not have any...

[@michellebarnett5154]

I so agree with you, THIS ROYALLY PISSES ME OFF ,to know they are not respected nor seen as humans, i despise my white heritage, if European's had stayed where we orginated,they wouldn't have went thru all the suffering and lose of lives for centuries, they are the most kind, peaceful , non-judgemental human beings on this f...up earth. I LOVE THEM N ALL HUMANS !! THE TIME IS NEAR WHERE CHANGE IS GOING TO HAPPEN N PROFOUND WAYS!!! PEOPLE NEED TO WAKE UP!!

[@MaritzaMaturino]

Fabrice Louis honestly,

[@AZ-kr6ff]

Because it never belonged to them.

[@edhayden6913]

Answer to why the country is not given back,is because of the Papal Decree that was made in the 1400's and is still in effect. They are in very serious fear what's going to happen if they do. There will be no more BIA in the states,and no more legislation in Canada called the Indian Act which controls natives. The Land that God gave, turtle Island will revert back from where it was stolen.

[@colecole3352]

@@michellebarnett5154 Our history has many sides. We aren't just kind peaceful people.

[@selacialafleur7385]

Boozhoo Aaniin, I am Anishnabek, from Nipissing First Nation, and I am the first in my direct line to graduate highschool and go to University (My Father got his GED and went to trade school and it is on his and my communities back that I have been able to do this) I never thought I would be able to go to school for art, but I am. I have felt many expectations from white peers and teachers in art school to make art that conforms to what they imagine a Native painter would paint. Hearing your experiences makes me feel less alone, Chi Miigwech for taking a career risk and telling our stories visually through painting as well as verbally in this talk. "We are our grandparents greatest dreams, that were never supposed to come true" will stay with me for a long time, and keep me going! Baamaapii!

[@eveblessyourheart7346]

Thank you! I was born in the USA but I’m a native from Mexico 🇲🇽 ! We are here and we are everywhere!! Let’s unite and take a stand together!

[@eveblessyourheart7346]

My DNA didn’t change because of the location of birth nor did my roots, culture, habits etc. My birth place has nothing to with my Indigenous Native life or beliefs. If anything I feel right at home here in the USA since it did belong to my people since before 1492. My home is Turtle Island not Mexico or USA or Canada.

[@monikapadilla3949]

eVe I was born in Mexico but my mother comes from “los renegades” =Seminoles from Florida .. they ran from the massacre to Louisiana then coahuila Texas when Coahuila was Texas but they divided Texas and Coahuila is now Mexico !!! North Mexicans are native relatives to native Indians in North America USA

[@aaronblueraven310]

Mexican is a word. We all indigenous People. North to South America. We need to Unite. 1 Arrow is weak but Twelve is strong ✊🏽👊🏽❤️🔥

[@galactic904]

The middle eastern indigenous cultures said this many centuries ago. So did the European cultures. We are all indigenous people. I don't own land at this moment, and im very happy without owning real estate. There are people that are house-poor and land-poor. Western culture, education, art, sciences are a million times more important.

[@galactic904]

You're just pissed off because the gov of Mexico does not represent their citizens. They support a very low minimum wage instead of a higher one. 80% of Mexican employees are living on a month to month basis (very low saving potentials). You gotta fix and bring down the gov politicians of Mexico, and elect a better gang of politicians. That is a much better plan than going back to indigenous cultures. Imagine the English, Irish, Jewish, Arabs... going back and living like indigenous people, hahaha, the craziest old-time tribal wars would happen. I live in Canada, where 100 thousands of people are immigrating to have a Western culture lifestyle. They have jobs, raising their children....theyre happy . Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Taiwan... they all hate commies.

[@user-lm3ru2qc1o]

I am a “half breed” I’m white and native but consistently told I’m not native enough, I didn’t grow up on a Rez and was raised by white people. When you said what you did about the government and blood quantum’s I fist pumped because I have never heard something so messed up and true in our lives. I may not have grown up on a Rez but I carry the love and heart of someone who may have.

[@schoolingdiana9086]

One of the judges who coauthored the Indian Child Welfare Act gave me the worst scolding of my life when she heard me call myself a “Half breed,” @C. “What are you-a DOG???,” she shouted. I’ve never called myself that again. 👊🏽Respect yourself and your ancestors, exhibit what that respect looks like, and others will have to follow along. Don’t accept anything less.🙏🏽🤲🏽🌽

[@joycejeffries6689]

The ways of your people are embedded in your DNA! Be proud of your native blood. Your ancestors were a mighty people and still survive after all that's been done to them. They are wise and strong. You should learn everything you can about your native heritage. Blessings to you and your native ancestors.

[@janiesampson7912]

Only about 10% of enrolled tribal citizens in the US live on reservations. Your Ancestors see you, I see you. Be well, Relative.

[@makoyiniito5383]

My wife is 100% European and probably speaks Better and knows our ceremony better than any natives I've ever me

[@martystrenczewilk1560]

I feel you so much. Grew up off reservation as well, and it’s hard to deal live in a society that tells you aren’t Indian if you aren’t a full blood born on the Rez

[@lizardchild2004]

I hope people are still watching this two years later. In Canada "boarding schools" were called residential schools, and the full extent of their atrocities is still coming to light. RIP 215 children at Kamloops Residential School. We need to look history in the face

[@beautyisanimate]

June 2022. Still watching.

[@holly4059]

July 22 Here!

[@dianeleirer9878]

June 24, 2023: watching

[@nathangrande3881]

October 2023. I’m here to understand

[@Windds]

I did an anthropology paper on Residential School’s effects on generational trauma in Canada and the United States. I learned a whole lot about them. It makes me so angry, why is it so hard to appreciate the cultural differences of people and just leave people alone.

[@amylemley1676]

These stories matter to me--as a human being. Please keep telling them.

[@micgu360]

Dear Gregg, your people are the carrier of the true religiousness. The more I learn about the red road and the more I apreciate your ancient wise culture, and more is painful and shameful to see how you have been and still are hurt. Whatever I learn from your culture I tell my young son, (we live in Italy ) he has to know the truth about Cristoforo Colombo (who was born not far from here). To know the history of colonialization is the to know why we are so messed up as humanity. I hope you 'll make more videos and tell us more of your story and show your art that is a healing, like opening a wound so it can heal. Love Michela

[@tracyl222]

this is not all the truths about our peoples it is a tragedy of racism im from canada and it is a nightmare to see violence happen to any people at rate so hard and fast and nobody in the world sees what is happening in manitoba winnipeg . everything on you tube is from 2 3 4 years ago ,why try to find out something that happened in the last year

[@DizzyIzzyArt]

I lost my dad in August, the day after he turned 41. I'm Native on his side, and I remember being a kid, Dad taking me fishing and hunting on visitation days (he didn't have custody of me because of drinking.) But he always taught me old native traditions, like foraging. He taught me how to make arrowheads, and even took me to our tribe chief's grave to leave an offering. Even though I went through all that, I still used to call myself white because I don't "look Native." Unlike my dad, I'm very light-skinned, and I really thought I had to identify as such. The last conversation we ever had was about our heritage. Sadly, we didn't get the privilege of growing up in our tribe, so I decided to start searching and studying my heritage as much as possible. I once found an article, written by a Native person, that said, "You should check with your tribe to see if they even want more members, because I can promise that most of us don't want you." That made my jaw drop, because everything else I've read, that was written by someone Native, says, "Screw blood-quantum, if your ancestors were Native, then YOU are Native and it's not your fault that you were assimilated and didn't get to grow up in your tribe." I like to think that my ancestors are smiling down on me right now, and that they're happy that I'm able to reclaim my heritage and not have to deal with the persecution that they suffered. My story deserves to be heard, I'm not going to be wiped out by people telling me I don't look Native enough to call myself Native American.

[@mikehuff9793]

I’m 1/4…I get my benefits as my family is counted on the Dawes roll. Knowing my children will not be counted as Mescalero Apache by the American government means nothing to me. The reason many tribes do not recognize blood quantum (most tribes don’t) is due to the fact that we adopt people too. Cheif Osceola was Muskogee/Creek by birth, but raised by and became one of the greatest Seminole chiefs. Many tribes, if you live like us, keep our tenets, take our medicine, know our stories, speak our languages, you are one of us no matter what you look like or where you were born. This wasn’t like a super common practice, but it did indeed happen often enough.

[@glendalynda6587]

I do recall Trump saying Native Americans that are half Native Americans look like white people. They are no longer Native American? If you voted Trump you condone his mentality.

[@DizzyIzzyArt]

@@smokyquartz5817 What do you mean?.

[@Makedonac007]

Native Elders are asking AGAIN TO SHOW HOW A MOUNTAIN TURNS TO PASTURE WALKING FLAT AND UPRIGHT LANDS ... YOUR BIGGEST FUQQING MOUNTAIN 🌞 AMIN³

[@Makedonac007]

Native Elders are asking AGAIN TO SHOW HOW A MOUNTAIN TURNS TO PASTURE WALKING FLAT AND UPRIGHT LANDS ... YOUR BIGGEST FUQQING MOUNTAIN 🌞 AMIN³

[@eam134]

Every person should watch this.

[@mikemuschik2996]

lol why because its lies or it just stopes short of the truth is more like it

[@eleonorbeall776]

Very educational presentation, thank you for educating the rest of the world. I came from Asia married a Native man in CA, the biggest tribe in CA. I honor his people and work with his people everyday, I live here for almost 30 years now and been married to him for almost 28 years. I witnessed racism towards his people and the ugliness of most that do not understand his culture. I work with this awesome Native Judge from his tribe and I know that there's still a lot to learn about his people, culture, traditions, and the language that they almost lost. My heart goes out to those that are lost and left up that Native people that are still fighting for the land, the culture, the traditions, and the language our creator has a plan for you and your people. Thank you.

[@n.newport3578]

Heart breaking- thank you so much for sharing these difficult stories, dear Mr. Deal. They need to be heard...

[@isaacharari5574]

Hi

[@rosielily9984]

As an indigenous person I wish I had saw this video sooner.. It was assigned for my Indegenous 100 class.

[@justasimplecadjockey687]

Had the privilege of hearing Gregg speak at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Awesome experience and an eye opener.

[@ChattieCathy71]

I was studying Title VI for aging NDNs. Grants, funding & other services. I dozed off and when I woke up I heard him. Made me almost cry. I know all this to be true. I grew up in NDN boarding schools. I’m very thankful to hear you speak. My pleasure is to know you. Sac and Fox member of the Bear clan. Ma qua ka- NDN name meaning Bear woman.

[@ester24966]

We should all listen carefully and not only listen ; we should HEAR and act upon what we have heard . Thank you sir, and please keep witnessing .. It's essential !

[@davekrieger3202]

Funny, serious, plain-spoken, wonderful talk, executed artistically.

[@johnsned]

Thanks for this outstanding presentation, and thanks for sharing your talent and passion. Well done my friend.

[@jasonchenoweth5448]

Wow... what powerful words. As a native man this hits home. Im not done watching, but When he said "when you omit something from history, you IMMEDIATELY give value to those things!" Truly Amazing. All people in this country should watch this video!! Don't just take the history that's hand fed to you, do some research. Don't just know your history know ALL HISTORY! there's always two sides to a story, just Like there are 2 sides to history. The reason why we don't know about these facts like Abraham Lincoln.. are because we are being told WHAT to listen to. Not both sides. The people that win the war write history. This is why most people of this country don't know the true history of native peoples. I can say the same thing about myself. I thought I knew some history, until I took a native American history class (it was required at the native college I attended). I now know that the history that I knew was the narrative that the government WANTS people to learn. Not the TRUE history, Or the whole story.

[@luckymeyer1014]

3 sides to a story. We are in the battle for our souls.

[@sacredrain7757]

Use your voice so people in the dark like me can find out the truth and add our voice to yours.

[@auntiebobbolink]

I agree about history, but it's hard because indigenous people are an oral society. Their history is handed down in their families and tribes. Others often don't have access to those stories. So I will share a reading suggestion, and hope others will do the same. Joe Sando was a member of Jemez Pueblo who wrote some important books. The one I appreciate most is PoPay, The First American Revolution. It is the story of the leader of the recognized leader of the Pueblo Revolt. Amazing scholarship and gracious sharing of native traditions.

[@joycejeffries6689]

@@sacredrain7757 I believe all four races need to unite and stand up for ALL of us, as our "government" does NOT stand up for ALL of us! If we ALL learn about the candidates and issues and then VOTE, we could get better representation!! We are all equal in my mind and heart, and according to the United Nations Declaration (I think in 1948, when I was two years old!), "ALL Human Beings are BORN FREE & EQUAL in dignity and rights. (Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights!)

[@nzcatz760]

He kōrero pono tēnei, ngā mihi aroha ki a koe, Gregg Deal. A truthful speech, thank you and much love to you from Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ Māori - Ngai Tahu).

[@kariboyd4304]

Beautiful delivery. You are going to change the world with your art and raising awareness. Those are the stories that matter. Thank you for setting the record straight and addressing so many important points in such a brief amount of time.

[@wendymoran6759]

TAINO. That is what the indigenous peoples that met Columbus were called. Please speak their name OUT LOUD, their memory deserves to be heard. Although the Taino were all over what was formerly known as Hispaniola, it was the island of Boriken (renamed Puerto Rico by the colonizers,) where this fateful event took place. Thank you for keeping our history alive and for telling our story.

[@albertorobles9287]

What beautiful and honest documentary Gregg my your spirit and voice resonate to all of humanity and the native Americans thank you

[@Loveis316]

Thank you! Truth will set us free. Much respect and deepest gratitude to you. May your (our) story be heard.

[@mikacourt8898]

Thank you for this extraordinary presentation and your amazing work. I am thankful for your reminder -- and teaching -- in the message of how we will carry this story. I will be sharing this video with my Community College students today...and ask them the same thing about ourselves...and how we will carry these stories. Many thanks. Again.

[@establishedin1991]

What a beautiful, powerful , strong, respectable speech! Here I am today watching this on "Thanksgiving Day," which has been taught in the perspective of the oppressors. Education is key in spreading the whole sides of the story, especially the victims' perspective. History isn't always written by the "victors."

[@20dareason09]

"Now you are responsible for this information..." Power!

[@auntiebobbolink]

Yes it is. May we all have the courage to carry that responsibility and endure the pain and changes within ourselves it brings about.

[@JAH-iu3yh]

Omg the leaning is so good😅 Also thank you for your truth. I really want to teach my children about TRUE American history, outside of what they might learn at school. Will definitely use your work in doing so.🙏🏽

[@copelana6786]

I will share thus thank you for your knowledge, your purpose is so important so many must be thankful for your voice, don't lose hope. Your art will not be silenced.

[@trueokie8675]

Wado Greg. I am Cherokee and live in Norman, Ok. As a young Cherokee boy, a direct descendent of a Trail of Tear survivor I was forced to attend Andrew Jackson Elementary. I wont go into all the details except the Norman Public School made sure I was assimilated in the white man's world. I am blessed to spend the time with my great grandmother who still lived as a Cherokee well into the 1970's and learn the "true country" that cannot be stolen from me.

[@Mrsbehavin59]

You are so needed - great educator.......this is so much needed

[@frederf69]

Thank you Gregg Deal. You have taught me something today & I will pass it on. I have always valued & respected native people.

[@chriswilson1383]

1 of the best I've seen . Almost had me crying. Bravo sir. Keep spreading the word.

[@mitozmartinez1173]

Nehuan Tehuan Tlehco (Together We Rise) I pass on a special kind of love and many blessings to all our multi generationally mixed urban indigenous relations who are not only decedents to Indigenous relations, but colonial relations as well. Those who are having a difficult time with the intersectionality’s and complexities of their identities, trying to honor and respect who they are, searching for answers in a Genocidal graveyard of cities and neon lights. We have a beautiful yet overwhelming healing journey to embrace upon many different paths. Your not alone… I’m right there with you. Harmony is everything, and everything is a cosmic flow of elemental relationships. Nehuan Tehuan Tlehco (Together We Rise) Ma xipatinemi (may you be well).

[@KALAstudios]

Amazing presentation, thanks Gregg

[@auntiebobbolink]

He asks, "Now that you know, what are you going to do with it?". That's a good question. As a non- native person very fortunate to have several indigenous friends it's something I ask myself. First, by showing love and respect. One woman I'm closest to was in a boarding school. She has graced me with a few stories, but doesn't like to talk about it, so it's not my place to open that painful door. Her history was taken from her, so when an opportunity presents itself, I respectfully share with her some of what I've learned of that history. For instance, I took her and her sister to see the Dine' rug woven about the Long Walk and the story of Manualito. She said "I don't know my own history", and that breaks my heart. Mostly what I do with what I've learned from her and others is to let it change *me*. I'm so fortunate to have them in my life, even though those changes in me have made it harder to be in the Anglo society.

[@DanNitroClark1]

Gregg, thanks for this! Eye-opening.

[@srinivasan_narayanan]

I am an Asian indian from southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Right from childhood, I often go to a perennial river mostly alone in the evenings after school. I watched crystal clear free flowing water, birds and animals and other creatures till sunset in the west. I used to wonder why humans are so cruel to fellow humans in the name of civilisation, religion, god etc., I used to wonder why people are religious which brought miseries,death and destruction to indegenous population world over apart from racism. I am more of a spiritual person ( not religious ) who recogise , accept , and accomodate differences between human beings and in other species and live with all. I am sad for all the sufferings your tribal people endured in the USA and other indegenous people experienced world over. May you all thrive in your lands in the future.

[@dalyn64]

Great presentation. We should all listen and learn.

[@rickferry280]

"....And NOW you are all responsible for that information." LOVE THIS ... Thank you, Gregg. Mitákuye Oyás'iŋ - A'ho.

[@auntiebobbolink]

Yes, we are all related! Thank you for continuing to remind us. We need that to be our guiding message. Mitakuye Oyasin. (Sorry I'm not writing it well).

[@docm4544]

So beautifully and intelligently spoken!! This hits deep!! Me being a white person, I can't ever recognize or know the struggle what Indigenous people have went and still continue to go through! I just hope one day all the hate ends and equality comes, society is so jealous and filled with rage when it comes to original people, I just hope harmony and better days are in store

[@tbizzy2580]

Let’s be clear. Who’s mad? Any race of people who have melanin especially rich dark colored skin, are despised. Not just indigenous people.

[@paintboy776]

Bravo! These stories need to be told. Urgently! Standing ovation.

[@lillybugbee3051]

I know him from church. Sage his daughter is amazing! 🙂☺️

[@Ckdipo]

I thought I recognized one of the leaning pictures as being in a church building.

[@longtermcareexperiences-bi5685]

Boarding schools are called Residential Schools in Canada. We have the same issues in Canada. Right now there are Indigenous bands blocking railways. Because our Federal and Provincial governments have provided permits for a private company to build a natural gas pipeline through unceded Indigenous territory. It is driving our country apart between those caucasians that support the Indigenous people and those who support pipeline corporation. The Indigenous chiefs have proposed an alternate route which the govt and the corp do not accept. Questions of jurisdiction created by centuries old colonial laws have set brother against brother in the Indigenous communities.- The old colonial strategy of divide and conquer. It is a huge ongoing disaster. I hope that for once the government of Canada lives up to its promise of truth and reconciliation.

[@sacredrain7757]

Lara Tnx for speaking out. I did not know.

[@dont_harsh_my_mellow]

@@sacredrain7757 Canada is arguably worse since they don’t speak up on it and silence Indigenous people there more than America does. But white people love to claim Canadians are so polite and nice and say sorry. So it’s okay! (Sarcasm). Wow.

[@heidimueller1039]

@@dont_harsh_my_mellow Totally wrong. Canada is miles ahead of the US in revealing the truth of our history.

[@dont_harsh_my_mellow]

@@heidimueller1039 liar. People are only JUST NOW spreading hella information about how indigenous people in Canada have been treated by Canadian society and how a lot of the systems in place devalue minorities. Meanwhile Canadians are here talking about how Canadians are nice people and it's a great and amazing country...only it isn't. It's nice if you are _white_ but not if...say...you were INDIGENOUS.c

[@heatherwheeler8330]

wow , I am a person with the blood if the colonizers , I applaud you sir, and I see you, you are strong and incredible, you helped open my eyes to an important issue that needs to be addressed more openly.

[@leah141]

I just found this channel and listened to u introduce yourself, and almost was brought to tears as u were speaking in your Native tongue, it hit me hard and I felt it all thru my soul...me finding u was definitely meant to happen... And ur lil "pro leaner" is so adorable (all of ur kids r) and made me laugh which was nice cuz I was close to tears from your introduction (happy tears tho)

[@ginakelley749]

Indigenous peoples will thrive again

[@joycejeffries6689]

And the warriors of the rainbow will save Mother Earth and all people on it who are worthy.

[@juletaurus]

One of the best TED talks I've ever seen.

[@amypieterse4127]

Thank you for this sharing this. The stories that you tell through your art do matter. You do matter. Your people do matter.

[@fulla4740]

tears fills my eyes after hearing the little boy's story

[@thoughfullylost6241]

Absolutely amazing thank you

[@markitaschriner2940]

I love you and respect that you are telling the story stay blessed

[@Randall2023]

Great presentation powerful Love ❤️ Respect ✊! Ojibway Tribe

[@anitainmo489]

The value of the Indigenous people is immeasureable. Breaks my heart to see what was done to them. Real history needs to be taught.

[@andrewp.schubert2417]

Thank you for sharing your stories and your art. It just goes to show you can never trust the government.

[@scresstinha]

Pure Source, this Earth, and All Benevolent Beings have guided me to watch this. Thank you All for the Pure Truth and Serendipity. Merry ChristUs, always and multidimensionally!

[@aaronstarkauthor]

Such a great talk.

[@bullishfarms1704]

There is a lot of values in your story brother! I’m 3 years in doing a deep dive into your traditions and culture. Living the way you live is the only way to enjoy a true human experience. Not like most do today hiding behind corporations, religion, and all these tech and gadgets we’re made to believe are enhancing our lives. Keep telling your stories . 🦬 🌳 🦅

[@janfoustka3780]

watching this with my high school students. great talk, thank you!

[@jillianchaloux6186]

My daughter who is native serves the very country who so desperately tries to oppress her heritage, that to me is a patriot in the very essence of the word. Together we will raise, for her existence is our resistance.

[@billieburgess2075]

Grandmother was in one of those Schools. She was so broken down she rarely spoke of our people and opted when given the choice marked her race as white. when I wrote my race as Cherokee and she found out she beat me. She told me by doing that I put my lift at risk. I refuse to be silenced . I am of mixed blood .My mothers side of the family is Cherokee .from what I was told by my Aunt and research we are wolf clan from Tennessee

[@jffelliott]

Wow. Gregg, you Rock. Keep doing that and telling your story.

[@jpokeefe8122]

We listened to him a bit at Hanbleceya, good stuff, thank you!

[@VideoWhitehawk]

Thanks for sharing. -Steve Bissell, Brothertown Nation elder and Peacemaker

[@celticblossom10]

Absolutely Amazing!

[@gramma1352]

I have very much Honor and respect for you. These are Not empty words brother. You presented a strong message and ask of other people:are the going to be responsible . You were Honored and Respected with a standing novation.

[@angelp6359]

I'm saddened by every way your people have been wronged. I'm inspired by the way your people live on. I'm inspired by the way you care for mother earth and all the animals. I'm continuing to educate myself through you and your people. 💚 Thank you for sharing.

[@lynnemorrow8320]

Mr. Deal- you remind us that the story of the “blindness” to Indigenous culture and history is the same as “blindness “ to African history and culture. It’s the “CRT” Lie that goes on. They don’t want to know. I thank you for saying that now that the listeners know, they must be responsible. Powerful!

[@mrperez7036]

My heart will hurt eternally for that boy and for those children and for every victim of the genocide of the indigenous people. May the Great Spirit by always with them.

[@daniellara6760]

Beautifully said my brother✨

[@stephanienarcisse978]

History is written by victors. It's sad to see how much is being hidden in order to certain people look good. As a Haitian I feel like I can sympathize with what native Americans are experiencing but I won't pretend that I know all about their experience. Thank you for opening our eyes to the things we were unaware of or blatantly overlooked.

[@carolynmarinel2566]

Loved! Even tho it made me cry.

[@ToniHerbineBlank]

Thank you so much. I will follow your Work. I am moved to tears

[@drj9922]

I am so in awe of you. Good luck with all you do.

[@pewp_tickalar]

Indigenous peoples in Siberia face much of the same cultural suppression and forced assimilation that Gregg outlined in this talk. During the Soviet era Ket and Nivkh children and children from many other Turkic and Tungusic ethnic groups were sent to boarding schools where they were forced to speak Russian and abandon their cultures. Similar, but albeit less forceful, tactics of eliminating indigenous languages and traditions are being used to revitalize many endangered and extinct languages by immersion schools present in many Native American and Hawaiian communities. The direction of social evolution is looking up for indigenous people, but there is still much work and advocacy to be done for the sake of indigenous cultural identities. So many have been lost to man-kind's barbaric and xenophobic tendencies, but many others can still be saved.

[@svetlanakaravaeva7636]

Do you have any proofs that they were forced to abandon their cultures? Then why Soviet films were translated into different Turkic languages? May be in the USSR it depended on the region? I can't find any information. I was in the Republic of Altai 3 years ago. It was in the village of Kamlak, I volunteered there in a botany garden for 2 weeks. Both Altai and local ethnical Russians switched from Russian to Altai easily. Altai people spoke Russian with an accent, it means they speak native language all the time.

[@name-ey5it]

May me cry , it was hard to hear him talk , I so proud I am indigenous.

[@zeer9945]

You write your narrative and you choose your medium Gregg. Thank you for sharing that narrative.

[@spiritualhummingbird9331]

We are all equal. We are all one!

[@elizabethharvester6111]

What a fantastic presentation and collection of artwork! I will never forget the image of that innocent child with the bloody elbows, who disappeared forever after being beaten. : (

[@ladybirdstarshine4692]

That's the best opening statement i've ever heard.... and it is so... across our great Mother..🌏🌎🌍

[@asifkalim4842]

Native American language sounds so sweet and aesthetically pleasing.

[@Cybernaut551]

Thank you for your talk.

[@celinamartinez5938]

This needs more views!

[@icyyyunginn5490]

God bless everyone and protect everyone y’all be blessed and safe Amen 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@darwinmitchell7549]

Your luxury is our displacement. I can relate to that alot very much.

[@jchittoor]

So touching. I am crying! so true even in India! country after country colonised and raided our native lands. I am from India!

[@WilliamPeyton-ss9dm]

I loved the picture of your "leaning" son! So funny. He is the one we must tell these stories for, yes stories of hope but also about what your tribe was and the pride they could have.

[@emilymaya233]

This was an amazing Ted Talk. So well done.

[@mariaray1603]

This was so good!!

[@aprestwich]

Great talk Gregg.

[@danalotemple7327]

Thank you for such a beautiful testimony 🙏 ❤️

[@yolandacombs4639]

This is the best story that need to be told I've been there now looking for my people to know who i am from

[@hamnukuto4320]

Thank you Greg.

[@luceroloza6800]

bless your soul and us all ✨

[@isabellaagostino5658]

that was one of the best ted talks i’ve listened to and i’ve listened to a loy

[@ib1tufndn]

Wow. That was amazing. Thank you.

[@chepecortez6605]

I have gotten to learn about these things that have been attempted to be hidden, manipulated and ignored. It is one of the things that led me to moving out of the U.S. to Central American and have been practicing life with the earth and the idea of actions having impacts to the next 7 generation’s. I hope others act as well. From what I have learned I came from and am still in a time many either are not living acting or creating towards life that supports human life as we knew or know it, breathing, eating, living on earth together.

[@lindagillespie6556]

Blsesings and thank you 🙏🏼

[@calliew311]

A local! I'm an RSIC tribal member. I have cousins in Pyramid Lake.