Episode 17: Kinship, Connectedness, and Activism with Alex Piechowski-Begay

Alex is an Indigenous artist and activist who spends much of his time on the road, often moving between communities to stand in solidarity with their pressing calls to action. He is a member of the Navajo Nation, a vocal advocate in the Land Back movement, and a supporter of Indigenous-owned businesses. His jewelry and pottery convey traditional designs and stories of the Navajo people - serving as a form of resistance. 

He joins the podcast for an eye-opening look into the meaning of kinship and connectedness. Alex shares stories from his childhood and how his upbringing, especially his grandparents, played a major role in shaping and influencing his life today. We also ask Alex about his practice as an artist, how his jewelry and crafts serve as a form of resistance, and why each piece he creates is filled with intention and meaning. Alex shares what Land Back is and why it’s so important, as well as our society’s need to acknowledge the inequities all around us and learn to care for one another.

Tune in to this conversation all about expression, connectedness, and how we can be better relatives to our communities.