How Aunties are the Glue that Keep us Together: An Interview with Dr. Charlotte Coté

Daybreak Star Radio was honored and delighted to have the opportunity to talk with Dr. Charlotte Coté about her upcoming involvement with the Aunties performance happening at the Moore Theatre in Seattle.

Dr. Charlotte Coté is a Professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Washington. She is from the Nuu-chah-nulth community of Tseshaht on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

As an Auntie herself, Dr. Charlotte Coté was excited to get the opportunity to be a part of the Aunties. However, her stories revolve around her own Aunties who influenced her life. She explains that family has always been important to her. The only reason she left her community was for school, but her family was always been tight-nit and supportive. Her Aunts and Uncles were like brothers and sisters to her growing up.

The term ‘Deadly Aunty’ is one of Dr. Charlotte Coté’s favorites. Even Google AI can understand the concept. She notes that her aunties helped shape who she is and her identity. They helped her understand the importance of what it means to be a strong, Indigenous, woman.

Dr. Charlotte Coté has always been a storyteller. Her own book A Drum in One Hand, a Sockeye in the Other, shares a contemporary look at traditional food and practices. She tells RONN!E that stories serve as methodology to frame who we are. Having this storyteller background made being a part of the Aunties an easy choice, as it was another avenue for her to express herself.

With the history of colonialism breaking down and weakening the Native identity by trying to distance the younger generations from the stories and knowledge that had once been passed down, Dr. Charlotte Coté wants to reestablish the connection and strengthen the backbone of the transfer of knowledge. As a teacher, she is in a unique position to help the Native youth as they move into different parts of their lives and keep them connected to who they are and where they come from.

To the Indigenous youth who are thinking of making their own stories, know that you carry your ancestors in the palm of your hand. Dr. Charlotte Coté advises you to keep going. Find friendships, relationships and familial connections that will help you on your journey through life.

Don’t miss the Aunties performing at the Moore Theatre in Seattle!