My Journey in Indigenous Storytelling & Justice
Our Community Spotlight series uplifts the voices, stories, and expertise of artists and arts administrators of color from across our national network. Each post highlights a unique perspective and experience, offering insight, inspiration, and connection — rooted in our shared commitment to equity, advocacy, and community-building in the arts. We are proud to celebrate the contributions of our community members and thank them for sharing their journeys with us.
Jen Deerinwater
Founding Executive Director, Crushing Colonialism
As a long-time member of the Arts Administrators of Color (AAC) community and Cousin’s Regime, I’ve been fortunate to be part of a collective that uplifts and celebrates our voices. My journey as a 2 Spirit Indigenous journalist, organizer, and advocate has been rooted in the power of storytelling—sharing our narratives to fight for justice and ensure our communities are heard.
My Path & Purpose
I am a bisexual, Two-Spirit, multiply-disabled citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, and my work has always centered the intersectionality of these identities. As the Founding Executive Director of Crushing Colonialism, I am committed to ensuring that Indigenous voices and stories are not only told but celebrated, amplified, and valued.
With a background in Gender Studies, Political Science, and Communications Management, my work has been featured in Truthout, Eater, Rewire.News, and In These Times, and multiple anthologies. I also serve on advisory boards and initiatives focused on Indigenous, multiple disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, working to shift conversations and policies that impact our communities.
The Work of Crushing Colonialism
I founded Crushing Colonialism in 2016 to create a space for Indigenous people to tell our own stories through arts, media, and traditional storytelling. We are an Indigenous-led and operated organization dedicated to increasing pay and employment for Indigenous storytellers while fostering cultural preservation and justice.
Through place-based and hybrid events, print, traditional art and digital media, we work to combat racism, ableism, and systemic oppression, ensuring our stories are told authentically and unapologetically. Our mission is simple but urgent: to reclaim our narratives and dismantle colonial structures through storytelling and creative expression.
Take Action: Celebrate & Uplift Indigenous Voices at World Pride 2025
Our movement thrives in community, and I invite you to stand with us in action - join us on Piscataway Land (in Washington, D.C.) this summer for
Decolonized Beatz Indigenous World Pride 2025!
This unapologetic global gathering will celebrate the creativity and pride of 2SLGBTQIA+ Indigenous artists, performers, and storytellers. Our event will feature a dynamic lineup of programming, including an Indigiqueer Pop-Up Market, the premier of the films made by our students from our 2024 Indigiqueer Youth Video Production Workshop, live performance of our 100% IndigiQueer album, "Hope", with Indigenous musicians from all over the world, Live Entertainment, and Indigiqueer Storytelling in Arts & Media Now! Attendees will also experience panels on Indigeneity, Gender, Sexuality & Decolonization, a vibrant Dance Party, and a meaningful Closing Ceremony to honor our collective journey. Taking place May 30 at Arena Stage and June 1st at The Atlas Performing Arts Center, 2025, on Piscataway Land (Washington, D.C.), this event will center multiply-marginalized Indigenous voices in a bold, celebratory space.
Register to join us!
Other Ways to Support:
Become a Sponsor – Help sustain and expand Indigenous-led storytelling and advocacy! If you’re interested in vending at the Indigiqueer Pop-Up Market at Arena Stage, email us at info@crushingcolonialism.org to introduce yourself and your business.
Volunteer – Help make Decolonized Beatz Indigenous World Pride a success!
Learn More About Crushing Colonialism – Explore how we are creating spaces for Indigenous voices in media, arts, and advocacy. All of our events will also feature a public health table providing safer sex supplies, HIV/STI at-home tests, COVID-19 safety supplies, and health promotion materials to ensure the well-being of our community.
When we control our own narratives, we shape our futures on our own terms. Let’s continue to support and uplift Indigenous artists, media makers, and storytellers.
Community, we will continue—in power, in creativity, and in justice.
#CommunityWillContinue
Jen Deerinwater
Founding Executive Director, Crushing Colonialism