Dominique Day Hunter Talks Storytelling, Clothing Design, and Being Proudly Yourself

Daybreak Star Radio’s Aiyana got to sit down with storyteller, artist, and activist Dominique Day Hunter to discuss her poetry book Seeds, clothing designs, and what is coming up next.

Dominique found her love of storytelling at the young age of 12 or 13, poetry and storytelling being things she could turn to when she had little else. They were a comfort, and space to feel safe, and she eventually began building those safe spaces herself. It wasn’t until she was in her 20’s that she allowed others to read her poetry, but she now has a poetry book titled Seeds that is available for all.

The muse for Seeds was always Afro-Indigenous peoples. They deserve to see themselves expressed in stories. Dominique was very conscious to make her poetry accessible to her community and to allow the feelings and messages of the poetry be the main focus. The poetry itself has a heavy influence from the rhythms found in African spoken word as well as the repetition of Indigenous songs. This rhythm and repetition are cornerstones of storytelling and learning.

Currently, Dominique is working on a children’s book called Sweet Berry. She has teamed up with those that are a part of a revitalizing effort to bring back her language from its dormant state. The hope with the book is to get both children and their parents used to hearing their language again and to reconnect them with nature. Dominique is also using her artistic abilities to illustrate the book, melding several of her passions into one.

When it comes to writers or artists block, Dominique understands that hers tend to come from being overwhelmed. She recommends focusing on one thing at a time, moving the things that take up space in her brain so that she can focus on the next thing. She has also found that walks help when she is stuck in a rut. Anything that can help you get out of your own head for a bit will help you re-settle and push past the block.

Dominique has been a storyteller and artist for most of her life, and her advice to others wanting to pursue that path is, as much as you can, be yourself. Create or find space where you can be fully you. Normalize your normal. Never forget who you are or where you come from. Be proud of it. Don’t let others make you feel inferior about whatever you do, especially when it comes from your indigenous culture. Allow your culture to help lift you up and support and ground you. Even when things are tough, don’t give up.

Check out Dominique’s poetry book Seeds, her clothing designs, and keep an eye out for her upcoming children’s book Sweet Berry!