On Land, Contemporary Indigenous Identity, and Recreation with Ashleigh Thompson - Runner, Climber, and Archaeologist
A heartfelt and honest conversation with Ashleigh Thompson - a Red Lake Ojibwe tribal member, avid trail runner, rock climber, snowboarder, scholar and archaeologist - about aligning values and advocating. Ashleigh shares her stories about the problematic myths of the land and Indigenous people, intergenerational trauma, and systemic mindsets connected with the term “public land”. We dive into how the current discourse on land can directly work against creating inclusive and respectful spaces.
This conversation is about connecting with the past to understand identity, how a connection to the outdoors has deep therapeutic benefits, how running and flying can feel identical, why reckoning with our past and understanding the impact of intergenerational trauma is critical, what role challenging fear has in climbing, and the benefits of awareness and courage that go way beyond the rock wall.
Understanding contemporary Indigenous identity and the value of Indigenous sacred sites is fundamental to developing a holistic respect for Indigenous culture. Ashleigh is passionate about shifting a narrative about what respect for Indigenous people looks like and opening a conversation that is more complex than just the protection of a physical space with cultural significance.
As a Native woman, Ashleigh’s commitment to bringing justice for people and the environment is woven into her being. Stay curious, friends, and I hope this gives you reason and resources to acknowledge and honor the land in new and deeper ways.
About Ashleigh
Ashleigh Thompson is a Ph.D. candidate in anthropology at the University of Arizona where she studies traditional foodways and food sovereignty. She is a member of the Red Lake Ojibwe Nation. As an avid runner and rock climber, she is passionate about being a respectful visitor and acknowledging indigenous environmental movements while enjoying the land and sport.
Topics Include
Intergenerational trauma
The connection between exercise and emotional health
Building self-confidence through rock climbing
Indigenous archaeology
Traditional foodways
Being a respectful visitor to indigenous lands
Acknowledging indigenous environmental movements
Offensive and racist attitudes
Storytelling and connection
Resources Mentioned
Books Mentioned
In My Own Moccasins: A Memoir of Resilience by Helen Knott
Connect with Ashleigh
Instagram: @ashanishinaabe
Twitter: @ashanishinaabe
LinkedIn: Ashleigh Thompson
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