Melinda Kachina Bige

Melinda Kachina Bige is a Denesuline & Nehiyaw ts´ékuı/iskwew situated on Snuneymuxw lands. Currently Creator of the online Octopus Spirit Journal, and advisor of up-and-coming BIPOC news the Resolve. Kachina was raised on the territories of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, & Musqueam people. The communities in which she belongs too are in the Denesuline lands of the Northwest Territory, specifically Lutsel k’e. Though her Kookum’s family comes from both Treaty 8 and Treaty 4 territories. Her family names are Dumais, Thomas, Clee, Foy, and Sakiskanip, (this list of family names is not exhausted). Should you ask her about her family, and their rich history she always has an enthralling story. Growing up in Indigenous housing in so-called Surrey, and surviving homelessness as a teen this community-made professional, is passionate about the decolonial history of the land, childrearing, plants, art, and food. The beginning of her journey situated in Indigenous pedagogy began with a committee: the Metro Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy, and a trip to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Her early guide an Indigenous intelligent Dr. Jennifer Mervyn. She is fortunate to have many mentors in her life including her Aunt Theresa Crookedhand. Her academic interests include Decolonization, family relationships & sexuality, astronomy, Indigenous governance, race, racism, anti-racism, resurgence & cultural continuity. 

Photo Credit: Nicole Durkan Photography