Decolonizing History: An Indigenous People’s Day Reflection

As we approach Indigenous People’s Day 2024, observed on October 14th, we honor Indigenous peoples and the ongoing journey to decolonize history. This process isn’t just about restorative justice – it’s about recognizing and valuing the stories and experiences that colonial narratives have long tried to erase. To explore this theme, the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity (NHCJE) spoke with Victoria Carrington Chavéz, an Afro-Indigenous Latina artist, storyteller, and advocate, whose work beautifully combines her diverse identities and her dedication to reclaiming cultural legacies.

“At the end of the day, I believe that it’s important for everybody to sit and look at history, their place in it, their ancestors’ place in it, and then what they want their legacy to be”

— Victoria Carrington Chávez, Creative Director at La Mezcla Creative Co, Lilac and Aspen Founder

Embracing Multiculturalism and Life Beyond Boxes

Victoria Carrington Chavéz’s path to New Hampshire began during a pivotal time in her career as an educator. In March 2020, like many teachers, Victoria faced the challenge of quickly adapting her Spanish lessons to an entirely remote format. At the same time, she traveled to New Hampshire to help her best friend and her family during the pandemic-related lockdowns.

What was initially a two-month stay turned into a new career and life in the Granite State. “I came here to just help my friend and I ended up finding myself, finding a community, and finding my calling,” Victoria said. The experience not only sparked Victoria’s creativity but also ignited a passion for content creation and storytelling. “I love bringing connection to the human spirit, the human heart, and our experiences through stories,” she added.

Four years later, Victoria is the Creative Director of La Mezcla Creative Collaborative and founder of Lilac and Aspen, where she works to bring more opportunities and visibility for female, BIPOC, and Queer creatives. Whether through her art or her professional endeavors, Victoria’s mission is to help others embrace their authenticity —especially those who don’t fit neatly into societal boxes.

This was the theme of her talk at TEDx Portsmouth in early 2024, titled ‘Embracing My Multi-Racial Identity.’ Self-described as an Afro-Indigenous Latina who embraces her African, Dinè (Navajo), and Mexican roots, Victoria “doesn’t exist within a box.” In this talk, she shared an emotional story about her mother intentionally leaving the Race and Ethnicity boxes blank when filling out a school form. “I remember little me being told that I needed to pick a part of me, but I can’t because all these lines are blurred,” recalled Victoria.

Victoria’s story is also a testament to the complexities of Indigenous identity. As a mixed-race person, she has encountered the struggles of not fitting neatly into pre-established categories. “I’m not enrolled,” she says, referring to the system of tribal enrollment that dictates who is officially recognized as Indigenous. “It’s more complicated than just blood quantum or paperwork. These systems are legacies of colonization, and they perpetuate the idea that there’s a structure you need to fit into to belong.”

The Intersection of Art, Advocacy, and Decolonization

“Being Indigenous and knowing how the buffalo is sacred, I had a lot of feelings about that when I attended the University … I painted this as a way to reclaim who I am and say that I didn’t see my school mascot in the way I was being told to.”

— Victoria Carrington Chávez, Creative Director at La Mezcla Creative Co, Lilac and Aspen Founder

Victoria’s exploration of belonging and cultural identity is a central theme in her art, which serves as a means for expression, healing, and reclaiming space. One of her most significant works, ‘Decolonizing My School Mascot’, was born from her discomfort with the University of Colorado Boulder’s mascot, a buffalo—an animal sacred to many Indigenous peoples.

“Being Indigenous and knowing how the buffalo is sacred, I had a lot of feelings about that when I attended the University,” she explains. “I painted this as a way to reclaim who I am and say that I didn’t see my school mascot in the way I was being told to.” Over time, this piece became a symbol of decolonization, sparking conversations in galleries across the country about how we can reclaim history and dismantle harmful narratives.

??Victoria’s commitment to uplifting Indigenous narratives extends beyond her artwork into her advocacy for more meaningful land acknowledgments. This traditional practice of Native nations and communities dates back centuries and today, land acknowledgments are often made at the beginning of public events to recognize Indigenous Peoples as the original stewards of the land. However, when not done right, they can feel performative.

For Victoria, land acknowledgments are deeply personal, and rooted in a reciprocal relationship with nature. “When I give land acknowledgments, I am intentional about recognizing what happened on the land, good or bad, and then ask the land what story she wants to be told,” she said.

Confronting History with Empathy and Authenticity

Decolonizing history means confronting uncomfortable truths. A major concern with the “Divisive Concepts Legislation” was its impact on a teacher’s ability to teach accurate history; however, it’s important to highlight that shielding people from the darker parts of history, especially in educational spaces, is counterproductive.

Reflecting on her own experiences as a student learning about slavery and listening to stories about her Black, Dinè, and Mexican ancestors Victoria says, “Sitting with that truth, even if it was uncomfortable, helped me want to do something about it.” She challenges us to not look away from the atrocities committed in the name of colonization and white supremacy, but to face them with empathy for those who endured them.

“For you to feel guilty and uncomfortable, it means you can empathize that it was bad, that it must have been vulnerable to go through,” Victoria said. “At the end of the day, I believe that it’s important for everybody to sit and look at history, their place in it, their ancestors’ place in it, and then what they want their legacy to be,” she added.

Only by considering different perspectives and questioning dominant narratives can we create space for the heritage of Indigenous peoples and the knowledge passed down through generations. “When I look at all these things that happened to my ancestors, I deeply believe that generational trauma is not the only thing that is passed down,” said Victoria. “I believe that my ancestors have passed down gifts, knowledge, and wisdom.”

Most of the modern reconnection with Indigenous practices has come through the wisdom of elders, people are still enrolled in their tribes and deeply connected to their roots, despite the historical efforts to erase them, such as forced relocation and boarding schools. “The more we embrace these stories,” Victoria asserts, “the more we can celebrate the multiculturalism and beauty within each of us.”

For Victoria, being herself, unapologetically and authentically, within oppressive systems is an act of resistance. The words of Elaine Welteroth in her memoir ‘More Than Enough’, that “being yourself is the radical act,” echo deeply in her life.

A Call to Meaningful Action on Indigenous People’s Day

Victoria’s work reminds us that while honoring Indigenous narratives requires confronting painful truths, it also opens up opportunities for healing, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of intersecting cultures and identities that make up our world.

Although Indigenous People’s Day is not officially recognized in New Hampshire, and House Bill 1014 signed by Gov. Chris Sununu in July 2024 mandates all school districts and municipalities to designate the holiday as Columbus Day, several cities and towns still observe it.

This Indigenous People’s Day, let’s commit to moving beyond performative gestures and into the realm of meaningful action—whether it’s through art, education, or simply taking the time to listen to the stories that have long been overlooked.

About Victoria Carrington Chavéz

Victoria Carrington Chávez is a celebrated visual artist and highly sought-after brand strategist. Her acclaimed piece “Decolonizing my School Mascot” has graced the walls of galleries nationwide. Her creativity honors her diverse roots, embracing African, Dinè (Navajo), and Mexican influences. As the creative director of La Mezcla Creative Co., her visual arts and storytelling expertise led her to guest lecture at Northeastern University, design for best-selling authors, and collaborate with social media influencers. Beyond artistry, Victoria champions community causes, supporting grassroots organizations that uplift BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. She also knows the best taco spots in town.