Moments of rebellion and 'red rage'

Moments of rebellion stand out in a young person's life. Whether it's standing up to your parents or getting political and 'fighting the man', rebellion is a big part of growing up. This week, New Fire features the stories of indigenous youth rebelling - for better and for worse. 

• A youth worker from Poundmaker First Nation, Colby Tootoosis has been a powwow dancer and flag carrier since he was young. But when Colby was handed the Canadian Flag - a symbol he rejects - at a recent Manito Ahbee powwow, he knew he had a choice to make. So he flipped the flag upside down. 
• 'Clara' has been in the British Columbia foster care system since the day she was born. Her non-indigenous foster family always supported exploring her First Nations heritage. But years of bullying (and a difficult relationship with her biological mother) led Clara to rebel against her indigenous identity. 
• Mob Bounce is a hip-hop crew with a message and a mission: to help aboriginal youth come to terms with 'red rage'. A controversial term referring to anger rooted in intergenerational trauma, the duo says that 'red rage' is a step on the pathway to healing.
• Lenard Monkman grew up in Winnipeg's north end. As he entered high school, he struggled to stay out of trouble - and ended up rebelling against authority at every chance he got. But there was always one thing that kept him from going too far: basketball.

Plus - take a listen to Lisa Charleyboy's rebellious, indigenous playlist.