A Space for Connection, Knowledge, and Resilience
The Indigenous Cultural Community Network (ICCN) forum, an online gathering place created by and for Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island (Canada) and beyond. This forum is a digital campfire—a space to share stories, protect traditions, and build bridges between nations, generations, and communities. Whether you’re here to reconnect with your culture, discuss urgent issues, or simply find kinship, you’re welcome in this circle.
Why ICCN Exists
Indigenous voices have long been marginalized in mainstream spaces, both online and offline. ICCN was founded to counter that erasure by centering Indigenous perspectives in a platform that prioritizes:
- Cultural Revival: Language, art, and traditional knowledge aren’t relics of the past—they’re living, breathing practices that sustain us.
- Truth-Telling: From land rights to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG2S+), we confront hard truths to fuel change.
- Joy and Humor: Resilience thrives in laughter, memes, and everyday moments of connection.
This isn’t just a forum; it’s a act of cultural sovereignty.
What We Offer
1. Cultural Grounding
- Language Revitalization: Share resources for learning Cree, Anishinaabemowin, Inuktitut, and other Indigenous languages.
- Elder Wisdom: A respectful space to ask questions about ceremonies, protocols, and traditional skills (with guidance from knowledge-keepers).
- Art & Creativity: Celebrate Indigenous musicians, filmmakers, beadworkers, and storytellers.
2. Advocacy in Action
- Land and Water Defense: Coordinate efforts, share legal tools, and amplify frontline struggles.
- Healing Justice: Discuss mental health, intergenerational trauma, and holistic healing—balancing Western and traditional approaches.
- Youth Empowerment: Mentor the next generation of leaders through scholarships and skill-sharing.
3. Community First
- No Bureaucracy, No Barriers: Unlike institutional platforms, ICCN is community-moderated and ad-free.
- Safety by Design: Strict anti-racism, anti-harassment, and cultural appropriation policies (see Forum Rules).
- Intergenerational Bonds: Threads where Elders and youth can exchange knowledge, from tech tips to trapping techniques.
Our Values
- Respect Over Debate
- We prioritize listening over “winning” arguments. Some topics (e.g., sacred teachings) require humility, not hot takes.
- Nothing About Us Without Us
- Non-Indigenous allies are welcome to learn, but must follow Indigenous leadership on issues affecting our communities.
- Accessibility as Justice
- Low-bandwidth friendly, with plans to expand language support (Syllabics, Michif orthography, etc.).
- Protection Over Policing
- Moderators are cultural guardians, not just rule enforcers. Their role is to nurture—not censor—Indigenous voices.
Who’s Behind ICCN?
ICCN was co-founded by River Kane (owner) and Katchi, a longtime forum developer committed to decolonizing digital spaces. The platform is guided by an advisory circle of Elders, artists, and activists to ensure it serves real needs.
This is not a corporate project. It’s funded by grassroots contributions and built with open-source tools (like phpBB) to maintain independence.
Join Us
ICCN grows stronger with each new member. Whether you’re:
- A fluent language speaker or just starting to learn,
- An urban Two-Spirit youth or a rural knowledge-keeper,
- An artist, activist, or someone quietly reconnecting with roots,
You have a place here.
👉 Register Now to join the conversation.
👉 Guest? Read our FAQ for ally guidelines.
“A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its people are on the ground. Here, our hearts are strong.”
— Adapted from Cheyenne Chief Tall Bull
