Kendra Potter Discusses Projects, Identity, and Listening to Your Elders

Daybreak Star Radio had the opportunity to sit down with Filmmaker and Theatre Artist Kendra Potter to discuss her upcoming projects and how her path to reconnection has inspired her work.

RONN!E effortlessly guides the interview, allowing Kendra to share her expertise in a range of subjects. Having been adopted by a white family, Kendra only found out about her Lummi roots as an adult and has spent time reconnecting with those roots and understanding where she comes from and her culture. This has made her the perfect Director for the Aunties show, coming to the Moore Theatre in Seattle.

The Aunties is a live storytelling event that involves traveling all over Indian Country and meeting powerhouse female identifying native women and hearing their stories to try and understand what it means to them to be culture bearers.

For the Seattle show, there will be three women sharing their stories live. Also during this time, Kendra spends a day with each woman filming more of their stories and having a meal with each so that she can truly connect with each woman and help them tell their stories in the best way for them.

With any luck, the Aunties will become a series that allows people to hear the stories of those who came before them.

Kendra knows that her skillset rests in connection and interpersonal skills. This led her to finding a film crew that had a strong idea of how they wanted to film this story, allowing her to focus on the people instead of the lighting and camera.

Another upcoming project that Kendra is working on is for the Montana Repertory Theatre. She is almost finished writing a theatre show called Can’t Drink Saltwater that will delve into a multitude of subjects and feelings.

When it comes to advice for the youth looking to get into the arts, Kendra recommends listening to your elders, hearing their stories, and knowing that your own story has worth. People want to hear your stories. Remember to listen and talk.

Kendra is a multi-talented artist using her experience reconnecting to her people to help others express their own stories and wisdoms all over Indian Country. Don’t miss out on seeing the Aunties in Seattle!