Allyship isn’t a title — it’s a practice. It’s not about looking woke or scoring social justice points. It’s about showing up, staying humble, and doing the work to support Indigenous sovereignty, safety, and self-determination.

At Resist Clothing Company, we’ve seen firsthand the difference between performative gestures and real, rooted support. And we believe that true allyship to Indigenous Peoples is about action, accountability, and amplifying Indigenous voices — not speaking over them.

If you’re here because you want to help dismantle the systems that hurt Indigenous communities, welcome. Just know: this isn’t a checklist. It’s a commitment.

Allyship to Indigenous Peoples means using your privilege, voice, and resources to stand with Indigenous communities — not in place of them. It’s about building relationships, following Indigenous leadership, and making sure the work you do is led by and for the people directly affected.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be honest, willing to learn, and ready to take responsibility.

Here’s how to start:

Real allyship begins with respect. Learn whose land you’re on, who the traditional owners are, and how you can support them. If you're getting involved in long-term Indigenous rights work, make sure it’s Indigenous-led, and build relationships rooted in trust, not saviorism.

You’re here to uplift, not override. Share Indigenous stories in their own words, and don’t make the moment about your feelings or experiences. Allyship to Indigenous Peoples means amplifying voices, not rewriting them.

Colonialism didn’t end — it just evolved. Know the history of residential schools, land theft, genocide, and policy violence. Then learn about today’s issues: water insecurity, MMIWG2S, systemic racism, language loss, and economic barriers.

It’s not the job of Indigenous people to teach you. Use your time and resources to educate yourself.

Solidarity means more than standing on the sidelines. Ask what you can bring to the table. Your labor? Your platform? Your skills? Your money? Never show up empty-handed. Contribute in a way that is respectful and aligned with community needs.

Not every event or action is open to everyone. Some ceremonies or spaces are sacred. Consent is continuous — not a one-time box to check. Don’t assume you’re entitled to access; always ask, and accept "no" gracefully.

When you're in community spaces, be mindful of your impact. Don’t take up resources, time, or space that could be directed toward Indigenous folks. Give back more than you take.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is get out of the way. If you’re invited to support, do it quietly and respectfully. There will be times when the community needs to act alone — respect that.

We don’t need heroes — we need cooperation. If your motivation is about being seen as “a good ally,” take a step back. True allyship to Indigenous Peoples is about showing up even when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or unrecognized.

Indigenous people are often pulled in a thousand directions — as community leaders, as cultural workers, as survivors. Be mindful not to add more labor. Do your own research and be intentional with your asks.

This is basic. If your presence, actions, or words are harming the community, you need to stop, reflect, and repair. The community should be better off — or at least the same — because you showed up, not worse.

Indigenous businesses and organizations are the heartbeat of many communities. Whether it's donating to language programs, supporting land defenders, or buying from Indigenous artists — every dollar you spend is a chance to do good.

👉 Shop our Allies Collection — authentic, Indigenous-made gear that funds real Indigenous-led initiatives.

There’s no graduation from allyship. There’s no certificate, no badge. Just ongoing education, showing up again and again, and asking, “Where can I support? How can I do better?”

We encourage you to read Indigenous authors, follow Indigenous educators, and learn directly from the communities. Start local. Stay curious. Be ready to be corrected — and grow from it.

Allyship to Indigenous Peoples is about consistency, not convenience.

It's about honoring protocols, respecting space, and uplifting community.

It’s about making sure your actions — not your words — speak the loudest.

So if you want to show real solidarity? Start here. Stay with it. And keep showing up.