In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, Shilo & Brianna sit down with William “Will” Miller (Blackfeet & Cherokee), Executive Director of the NAYA Action Fund and Government Affairs Manager at the Native American Youth and Family Center, to discuss the journey that shaped him into the dynamic leader he is today.

From his deep roots in Portland’s urban Native community to his tireless advocacy for Indigenous rights, Will shares the values and lessons that guide his work navigating the colonial political system. Together, they delve into the complexities of cultural code-switching, the unique challenges of civic engagement for urban Native communities, and strategies for sustaining mental and spiritual health while pushing for systemic change.

Recorded just two days before the pivotal November 5th election, this episode is both a reflection on Will’s inspiring path and a call to action for Indigenous and Two Spirit community members seeking to make an impact. Brianna and Shilo share their pride in watching Will grow into a community leader and advocate who prioritizes supporting the Native community above all else.

Stay tuned for a follow-up episode with Will on the post-election landscape as part of the podcast’s upcoming series, Entering the Slipstream (Bullshit) Era.

Episode Links:

NAYA Action Fund: https://www.nayaaction.org/

NAYA Family Center: https://nayapdx.org/engagement_policy_and_advocacy/

NAYA Action Fund Instagram: @nayaaction

Will Miller personal Instagram: @millerw28

"In this episode, Brianna and Shilo delve into a seldom-discussed aspect of disability—the financial and emotional impact of chronic illness and disability. They candidly share their experiences with lymphedema and lipedema, shedding light on the treatment costs, diagnosis process, and the invaluable support they've found in each other.

The conversation also touches on vital subjects like self-advocacy within health systems, the intersections of chronic illness, disability, and body size, while living in bodies that defy traditional norms imposed by colonial standards (such as sickness, disability, fatness, and being transgender, etc.).

In bodies that transgress these colonial standards, we often face the choice of required metamorphasis into socially acceptable forms or facing ostracization and worse. Join us for this eye-opening discussion shedding light on the realities of living with chronic illnesses and disabilities."

Miracle survivors of genocide- Part 2 (two part series)

Amazing community health worker, mama, powwow dancer and community helper, Chenoa Landry joins Shilo and Brianna to talk about:

• The Importance & History of Indigenous People's Day
• Covid & Bioluminescent, Spicy Vaccines
• Beadwork
• Lots of fun, laughter and storytelling

Miracle survivors of genocide- Part 1 (two part series)

Amazing community health worker, mama, powwow dancer and community helper, Chenoa Landry joins Shilo and Brianna to talk about:

• The Importance & History of Indigenous People's Day
• Covid & Bioluminescent, Spicy Vaccines
• Beadwork
• Lots of fun, laughter and storytelling

In this illuminating episode Shilo and Brianna explore the Indigenous concept of survivance as a path to healing, re-indigenization and sovereignty. Your hosts will explore the definition and give many examples of survivance in their personal lives as well as how it shows up in a variety of Native community contexts. This episode is all about self-determination, healing, the power of humor and avoiding the lens of victimry and tragedy so many people see Indigenous peoples through.

Brianna and Shilo discuss the enjoyment and success of their first live show and how it’s inspired future podcast plans. Then they talk about a few current events, the importance of boundaries, a connection between science and imperialism and different ways colonization shows up in their work with organizations and governments.

In this episode Shilo and Brianna share their experiences during the pandemic, their biggest challenges and triumphs and what they have done to help them through the toughest parts. They also discuss the pandemic and its impact on Native American communities as well as the nation as a whole.