The Importance of Mentors in Anti-Racism and Decolonization Activism
Themster Two Spirit is an Indigenous activist working in poverty reduction, anti-racism, and decolonization. Note, the interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
CDLI Team: What was the most impactful thing that happened to you to make me reflect and engage in anti-racism/decolonization?
Themster Two Spirit: I think what has had the most impact is having really good mentors that made me self reflect on good and bad aspects. My mentors showed me that they were by my side. They guided me through reflective work. For example, reflecting on jokes I used to tell that are racist and changing my behaviour. Being near the right people and having mentors that I could listen to, even when I felt vulnerable and unsafe. There are times where my mentor would tell me to do something that wouldn’t make sense but I trusted them and moved forward. Because I’m an ex-addict, I had a period of my life where I was not a good person. I’ve cleaned up and I haven’t drunk in almost 17 years. Having a mentor and sponsor helped me to reflect and built my trust. I think everybody needs somebody who will be brutally honest and participate in reflective work with them.
Every time I get scared, I have several mentors that I can go to and check my perception. It's so easy to be racist. It's so easy to have wrong ideas and act on them in a world that feels inherently unsafe all the time. When you're walking around the world in fear it's easy to react all the time. Those mentors have continually provided me with anti-racism information and signed me up for workshops. I think it would help others to learn more to combat ignorance. Well, that applies to me too, I don't have the privilege of resting because I’ve been working for a while. I'm still doing anti-racism and decolonization work and my mentors are still here for me. Every time, I take a break and think I’m so smart they tell me to attend another workshop so I can stay engaged in constant learning. Good mentors and constantly learning changed my life.