Sherente, a Two Spirit member of the Narragansett tribe, joins The Now What Pod to share their story of overcoming the discrimination they faced when they decided to compete in a dance traditionally performed only by women. Sherenté talks about their two spirit identity and how they are breaking barriers while fighting for Indigenous visibility.  Sherente takes the time to explain what it means to be a two-spirit and to teach us about Narragansett culture and history in this thought provoking episode. 

Topics Discussed:

Two Spirit: What does it mean to be Two Spirit? What was the traditional role of two-spirits in the Narragansett community? 

Identifying as Two Spirit: Sherente shares their journey of coming out, being accepted

Powwows and Pow Wow Dances: Sherente describes Powwows, both historically and at present. They share their experience deciding to compete in a dance traditionally performed by women. 

Narragansett Culture and History

Narragansett People: A brief history of the Narragansett People

Resources:

Complete the Circle https://www.uri.edu/tedx/talks/sherente-harris-complete-the-circle/

Documentary: Being Thunder https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14908696/

About Sherenté Harris:

Sherenté Mishitashin Harris intertwines stories of cultural existence with their Two Spirit identity, to evoke emotion, spark dialogue, and amplify ideologies that are too often silenced. Sherenté’s efforts oppose the prolonged issue of Indigenous invisibility. Sherenté is Niantic Narragansett and a citizen of the Narragansett Tribal Nation. Named a 2019 LGBT History Month Icon, Sherenté is also a 2018 Presidential and Rhode Island Foundation Carter Roger Williams Scholar and is currently enrolled in a five year dual degree program at Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design.

S/he can be found on IG @sherente

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