KQED's Forum Forum from the Archives: Julian Brave NoiseCat Weaves Memoir with Indigenous Myth and History
Nov 26, 2025
Julian Brave NoiseCat, an author and filmmaker, shares his captivating journey exploring Indigenous mythology and personal history. He discusses growing up in Oakland with a non-Native mother and an absent Indigenous father, delving into themes of family loss and cultural reconnection. Through his memoir, he intertwines ancestral stories, including the myth of Coyote, and reflects on language revival and the importance of community. NoiseCat also offers practical advice on reclaiming heritage while addressing the impacts of colonial history on family trauma.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Childhood Between Two Worlds
- Julian Brave NoiseCat describes growing up in Oakland with a non-native mother and a full-blood Sequetmoch father who was an artist.
- His father left when Julian was six, sparking a formative loss that shaped his identity and memoir.
Life In An Artist's Studio
- Julian recalls hanging out in his father's carving studio, watching VHS tapes and touring art shows in a red powwow van.
- After his parents divorced, his father relapsed into alcoholism and moved to Santa Fe chasing art-world success.
Finding Community At The Friendship House
- After his father left, Julian's mother kept him connected to Native community by taking him to the Intertribal Friendship House.
- He was initially shy but eventually joined powwow drum and dance practice and found belonging.
