Before I resume my content, I have to take a moment to acknowledge the current sociopolitical turmoil. As someone with deep reverence for the collective that is the human spirit, it's in my cultural values to stay grounded in this world, and that goes for the virtual world as well, because it's an extension of who I am.
Just because I’ve posted mostly fitness content does not mean I do not have a social, cultural, and political stance or a moral obligation to express it in times of societal turmoil. As an indigenous person, that is part of our inherent identity. The comments about sticking to fitness comment are referring to comments I get on Instagram, where I have bigger folllowing.
My speaking tempo and the energy I emit are purposeful. I could go on and on in a rapid-fire way about the details of my views, but that is not necessary because, as I say in the video, I do not seek validation for what I'm observing in a dominant society. Instead, I’m content to be more general and to demonstrate calm.
You’re free to disagree, and if my presence and words offend you, ask yourself why and why you feel the need to be heard by me. Who am I to you? Do I have power over your emotions, or do you? Will you be so persuasive that you will change people’s minds with a social media comment?
Positive dialogue is always welcome.
To be more clear than my simple words in the video: Tribal governments rely on treaties, federal Indian law, and constitutional principles—especially the Supremacy Clause—to hold the United States accountable to its obligations and responsibilities to Federally recognized "tribes".
Social and political policy directly shapes people’s well-being. As Native people, we’re among the few populations in this country who truly understand that. That's why my wife and I got into community health education in Native communities over ten years ago. So, having a social and political stance isn't separate from living in balance; it's actually a vital part of healthy lifeways.
My cultural upbringing emphasized resistance to government overreach and systemic injustice as a foundational value within our collective consciousness, so expressing a strong political stance is not foreign to me. Indigeneity is inherently spherical— it's an integrated framework encompassing social, political, economic, and spiritual dimensions of existence.
KEEP YOUR FIRE STRONG
Here's a breakdown of the key points:
A Call for Empathy Amidst Turmoil (0:00-4:43): Collins addresses the "stick to fitness content" comments he receives on social media, explaining that as an Indigenous person with a deep reverence for the human spirit, he has a moral obligation to speak on societal issues. He expresses deep heartbreak over unjustified violence seen on social media, especially as someone who has experienced the loss of loved ones to police brutality and unsolved cases. He stresses that while death is a norm, violence is disheartening.
Reverence for Human Life (4:44-7:18): Collins emphasizes his respect for all human beings, regardless of their social, political, sexual, religious, ethnic, or gender identity. He sees people as spiritual consciousnesses seeking a human experience. As a community health educator, he is passionate about enhancing the human experience and addressing societal ills like addiction, depression, and violence, which he links to unresolved grief.
Mindful Communication (7:19-12:38): Collins discusses the Indigenous teaching of "Subab," which means to "take it easy" or slow down. He applies this to his approach to social media, explaining that he takes time to process what he sees and feels before responding, aiming for well-being and positive ripple effects. He shares his views not for validation, but to offer guidance to those struggling to process current events.
Strength in Unity and Diversity (12:39-14:34): He believes that strength lies in celebrating similarities and working together despite differing social and political views. He advocates for diversity, respect, and empathy, noting that his own success stems from these values, while his shortcomings arise from apathy, greed, and other negative emotions.
Indigenous Political Entity (15:47-17:52): Collins highlights the unique social, cultural, spiritual, and political identity of Indigenous people within the U.S. legal system. He explains that tribal governments understand federal overreach intimately due to their history and that political policy directly impacts their well-being.
The Seven Circles Wellness Model (17:53-20:23): He introduces the "Seven Circles" model—foodways, sleep, movement, sacred space, connection to land, ceremony, and community—as a lifestyle intervention framework. These practices, which existed prior to colonialism, help Indigenous people heal from intergenerational trauma and continue to thrive despite ongoing colonial processes.
The Six Senses and Healing (20:24-30:44): Collins elaborates on the importance of engaging our six senses—sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch, and spiritual intuition—as a framework for navigating life and healing. He encourages seeking out beauty, grounding smells, nourishing tastes, healing sounds, comforting touch, and connecting with our spiritual intuition.
Honoring the Constitution and Human Spirit (30:45-34:10): Collins acknowledges that while Indigenous people were disenfranchised by the founding of the U.S., tribal governments leverage the Constitution and treaties to hold the federal government accountable. He emphasizes the importance of solidarity and celebrating similarities to overcome polarization and honor the human spirit.