Asé’tsi. It is new. Rebirth. Making something old new again. All of these have something in common, and I have something in common with them too. As the new editor-in-chief of WIOT Magazine, I am embarking on a new journey.
It’s not really a career change, but rather a new path I’m carving out that compliments my existing passions, and that builds upon the goals I’ve worked for my entire life. Some of you may already know me as an actor. For five seasons, I played Zoe on APTN’s comedy series, Mohawk Girls. The show is over, but rest assured I will continue to pursue an acting career; a career that has been my dream since I was a little girl. Acting is my first love, but it isn’t my only love. I also spent three years of my life earning a degree in journalism. In 2012, I earned my BA from Concordia University and four months later I received an email that we were green-lit for the first season of Mohawk Girls. The next spring, I was on set living my dream. All this to say, until now, my opportunity to explore and contribute to the world of journalism was limited. After spending years developing the knowledge and skills to be meaningfully involved in this field, it is only now that I have the incredible opportunity to revisit this passion. To make it new again.
In the last few years, I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet countless amazingly talented Indigenous people. During this time, I’ve come to learn that we all have a voice, and we all have a story to tell. As the new editor-in-chief, I am thrilled to have the chance to help our powerful and brilliant voices be heard. Before I continue, I want to reiterate what WIOT Magazine is all about:
“We’ve reached a turning point in history and a shift is taking place. There’s still a big hill to climb, but one thing is for certain; a powerful movement is well underway and our people are leading the action.
WIOT Magazine is a response to the growing wave of consciousness towards Indigenous voices across the country. We are writers, artists, activists, filmmakers, scholars, knowledge keepers, and generally awesome doers. Our strength is rooted in community, and we're all contributing to it in our own way.
Here, we’re sharing what’s real to us and want you to join the conversation. We know that our stories hold incredible power, and people are listening more than ever. Above all else, our stories show us all the nuances that make up who we are as Indigenous people. And that’s something to celebrate.”
– WIOT Magazine’s Mission Statement
I envision WIOT as an extension of the Indigenous community, to be shared by everyone across Turtle Island. I hope what you find here inspires you. I hope what you see opens your heart and mind. I hope what you share helps you on your journey forward. I hope you walk away each issue feeling positive, enlightened, and not alone. We’re all in this together, to ensure our voices are heard once again.
Nia:wen kowa,
Brittany Leia Tsakohawi LeBorgne
Kanien’kehá:ka - Snipe clan