Performance Artist & Speaker Internationally Known Author Culturally Informed Educator
"We are not the ripples, we are the drop"
- Shuína Skó
Photograph by Anishinaabekwe Photographer, Ksálui Húntis
SPEAKER | WRITER | PERFORMER
Two-Spirit
Spoken Word Poet
Shuína Skó is a Two-Spirit author, veteran, Indigenous rights activist, and storyteller who shares story through spoken word poetry. Shuína's poetry takes us on a creative journey that explores the complexities and vibrancy of the Indigenous experience and 2sLGBTQ+ community. When it comes to pronouns Shuína primarily uses "she" or "they," however prefer to be identified by their name as gender pronouns are not commonly used in Shuína's Indigenous language.
Indigenous Rights Activist
A lifelong humanitarian and member of The Klamath Tribes, Shuína Skó is a sought after Indigenous storyteller who is passionate about sharing traditional Indigenous ways-of-being, which promote healing and greater wellness. Shuína holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology, has over 10 years of experience directly serving some of the most vulnerable peoples within Indigenous communities, and thoroughly understands the impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma. They are determined to expose harmful practices and break down the stigma of shame as shame keeps us from sharing our truth and accessing avenues that lead to healing. Through storytelling, Shuína brings to light present social issues and their relationship to colonialism, systemic racism, and ongoing oppression. Shuína's use of art, in the form of spoken word poetry, creates a safe space to have honest and vulnerable communication regarding these difficult yet necessary topics; moving us toward greater cultural competency, being a more equitable society, and providing culturally focused trauma-informed care.
Internationally Known Author
Shuína Skó is an internationally known self-published author of several poetry books that have been purchased throughout Turtle Island (North America) and in Europe. These books contain stories of the intergenerational impacts of trauma, as well as the beautiful relationship Indigenous peoples have with Mother Earth. Shuína also writes about being Two-Spirit, their journey to fully embracing all of their identity, Indigenous resiliency, matriarchy, and harms associated with heteronormativity. The teachings Shuína offers are rooted in rich cultural values and practices that are from an ewksiknii (Klamath) perspective. Some cultural practices that Shuína and their family engage in include hunting, fishing, gathering, powwows, beading, honoring elders, caring for the Earth and our animal relations, smudging, sweat lodge, sharing stories and songs, taking care of sacred burial sites, and several other ceremonies.
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Photograph by Anishinaabekwe Photographer, Ksálui Húntis
WORKSHOPS
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In-person & virtual speaking engagements
Openings/Closings
Workshops
Trainings
Conferences
Panels
Podcasts
Film
Topics Shuína covers include but are not limited to
Spoken Word Poetry
Spoken word poetry performance with a brief overview of each poem. For more information on Shuína Skó's poetry visit the "About" and "Poetry Books" tabs.
Healthy Development of Identity
Now more than ever Indigenous youth need support, to know they matter, and to feel seen and heard! This presentation focuses on a few key aspects of culture that assist in overall wellness, encouraging youth to embrace their authentic selves, see the beauty in their Indigenous identity, and find/use their voice.
Cultural Competency Training that is in Alignment with Trauma-Responsive, Trauma-Aware, and Trauma-Informed Practices
Tailored to your audience and covering: Cultural practices and ceremonies that contribute to health and wellness (socially, mentally, physically, spiritually, etc); Building rapport & creating safe spaces; Impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma; Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA); Matriarchy; Colonialism; Present social issues and related epigenetics research; and more!
"Culturally safe practice involves being culturally aware and culturally responsive, But it is more than this. Being culturally safe includes being sensitive to, and reflective upon, the experience of a cultural group, and developing relationships with that group and individuals within it that acknowledge their experience" (retrieved from Colby Pearce, a practicing Clinical Psychologist, website at colbypearce.net)
Two-Spirit & LGBTQ+
Get answers to: What is Two-Spirit? Is it the same as LBGTQ+? How has colonialism impacted Indigenous identities? How do we provide appropriate culturally informed services to Indigenous people who identify as Two-Spirit or within the LGBTQ+ community?
What Others Are Saying
"You (Shuína) are medicine"
2023 Oregon Community Foundation Poetry Workshop Participant
"The event 'What is Two Spirit? with Shuina Sko' was truly the kind of thing that refills my tank... I can't say I seek out poetry, but there really is something powerful when someone can move you by the care and craft of their words and the depths of awareness and introspection it takes to create them!"
2023 Allstate's Native & Pride Conference Attendee
"Your words and energy are uplifting!"
2023 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"Amazing storyteller, engaging and so inspiring. Thank you!"
2022 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"Incredibly vivid inspirational imagery in your poem! So beautiful!"
2022 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"So powerful and descriptive. You empower me to be a voice!"
2022 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"It was I N C R E D I B L E thank you for speaking such healing and beauty into the pride event and into the community!!! Feeling so grateful to have met you today and honored to hear your beautiful eloquent spoken word!!!"
Klamath PRIDE Attendee
"Emotional & powerful poems"
NICWA: 40th Annual Protecting Our Children Conference Attendee
"You are a powerful storyteller! I always appreciate listening to you!"
NICWA: 40th Annual Protecting Our Children Conference Attendee
"2022 Future Thought Leader" Program Advisor/Founder
"Best opener ever!"
Regional ICWA Specialist, ODHS Child Welfare D11
"Shuína Skó, always a highlight of the conference"
2022 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"Thank you for telling us your story. I appreciate the vulnerability, honesty and love that you shared. Thank you for providing guidance and information on how to empathetically support and honor the family, the individual and the culture. We are blessed to have you help heal and teach our community."
Equity Hour ODHS D11 Attendee
"Powerful poetry!"
2021 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"I was blown away! You have such a gift for speaking, and your vulnerability and honesty were so humbling. Thank you for being willing to share a piece of your story."
ICWA Liaison and Supervisor at the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline ODHS Child Welfare
"Beautifully strong words, Pidamaye!"
NICWA: 40th Annual Protecting Our Children Conference Attendee
"Creativity with a meaning."
2021 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"...wanted you to know what a HUGE impact you had on your peers, Tribal partners and Child Welfare leadership across the state by bringing voice and perspective so that we can connect your experience to how we are serving tribal communities and families in Oregon."
Director of the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline ODHS Child Welfare
"That was an incredible presentation. Thank you so much."
2021 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"You are fantastic! I learned so much, definitely many tribal similarities; I am from the Pueblo of Laguna in New Mexico."
ICWA Webinar Attendee
"Your art is so powerful! What a beautiful message for all of us and our children."
2021 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"Great teachings Shuína, thank you!"
2022 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"The personal words and stories she shared not only resonated with our Training Team but also the participants in the training. She passionately shared her own story woven through poems she had written. Words cannot accurately describe how impactful she was. I firmly believe her strong words helped stir in workers hearts as she encouraged them to be present and open. Our Tribal partners that joined us today were also moved by her words."
ICWA Consultant, ODHS Tribal Affairs
"Thank you for speaking at the ICWA Conference this morning. Your words are so powerful and important."
Regional ICWA Specialist, ODHS Child Welfare D5
"Ahéhee'! What a beautiful presentation!"
2021 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"BEAUTIFUL! Excellent story teller. Absolutely love your presentation. I enjoyed your positive energy, I could feel your energy through my screen. Thank You So Very Much for taking the time to speak to us today."
2022 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"You are so wonderful, strong and impactful."
ORICWA Conference Attendee and Supervisor at the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline, ODHS Child Welfare
"Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart with us."
2021 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"I want to say thank you! In listening I realized I had made assumptions about Two Spirit and both your explanation and your poems helped me (hopefully) understand a bit better these assumptions. I am so glad I came today."
PRIDE Employee Resource Group Training Attendee
"Thank you so very much for the gifts of your spirit, talents and time!"
2022 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"Love your spoken word. So powerful!"
NICWA: 40th Annual Protecting Our Children Conference Attendee
"You provided such a powerful message. Thank you for sharing yourself with us today."
2022 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"You are a power of influence, thank you for sharing your gifts."
2021 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"Amazing, beautiful and impactful, thank you."
2021 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"I look forward to hearing you speak every time! We can see the fire and passion in your eyes and your delivery is captivating every time! Thank you for sharing with us!"
2022 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Attendee
"Powerful, moving and profound."
Tribal/State ICWA Conference Attendee
MEDIA
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Shuína Skó is honoured as the ICWA WARRIOR: "An ICWA Warrior is a Child Welfare staff member, Tribal partner and/or community partner who is a staunch advocate of ICWA/ORIWA and exemplifies the spirit of ICWA through their diligent work and practice"
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Shuína Skó's book "BIG LOVE - mo stinta" is featured during the 2023 Poetry Month Spotlight: Xwi7xwa Library is "happy to present a reading list of innovative and moving poetry by Indigenous authors which showcase what is possible within and beyond the genre"
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This list provides a summary of some of the past events Shuína Skó has been involved in from 2021-2023 (dynamically updating site page)
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Contact Shuína Skó directly via email at ShuinaSkoLLC@ShuinaSko.com
