### Comparative Writing on Indigenous Resistance: “Obligations 2” and “Warming”

Indigenous resistance manifests in multifaceted forms through literature, reflecting nuanced responses to historical and contemporary challenges. When comparing “Obligations 2” by Layli Long Soldier and “Warming” by DG Nanouk Okpik, the texts reveal distinct yet interwoven facets of Indigenous resistance. Long Soldier focuses on linguistic decolonization and reclaiming cultural identity, while Okpik highlights the urgent call to environmental stewardship. Although their narrative strategies and thematic concerns differ, both works emphasize the resilience of Indigenous cultures through the assertion of identity and sovereignty.

In “Obligations 2,” Layli Long Soldier employs language as an act of resistance, reclaiming spaces that have historically been dominated by colonial narratives. The poem is a powerful assertion of Indigenous identity and autonomy. Long Soldier writes: “I am carry my own name again, it is a decision, it is about saying what you mean” (Long Soldier 14). Here, the poet underscores the importance of language in reclaiming identity and resisting cultural erasure. The act of carrying one’s name becomes a metaphor for the broader struggle against assimilation and for the preservation of cultural heritage. Long Soldier thus uses her poetry to challenge and subvert the colonial imposition of power structures, encapsulating how language can serve as both a tool of oppression and a means of liberation.

Conversely, DG Nanouk Okpik’s “Warming” highlights environmental resistance, drawing attention to the impacts of climate change on Indigenous lands and lifestyles. Okpik explores the intimate relationship between Indigenous communities and their environment, a bond threatened by ecological degradation. She writes: “The northern lights were more than a show of beauty; they were a message, a cry for help” (Okpik 22). In this line, the natural world is anthropomorphized to express urgency and a call to action, illustrating how Indigenous resistance also encompasses the defense of the natural environment against destructive forces. Okpik’s poem serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of people and nature, emphasizing that the survival of Indigenous cultures is inherently linked to the health of their environments.

Both works share a profound connection to the themes of identity and resistance but approach them from different angles. Long Soldier’s poem underscores the importance of reclaiming language and self-narration, while Okpik emphasizes the necessity of environmental protection and advocacy. Together, they offer a composite view of Indigenous resistance, where cultural and environmental fronts are intertwined in the struggle for autonomy and survival. By engaging with these texts, readers gain a deeper appreciation of the diverse forms and dimensions of Indigenous resistance, and the critical need to honor and protect both Indigenous identities and their environments.

### Works Cited

Long Soldier, Layli. “Obligations 2.” Whereas: Poems. Graywolf Press, 2017, p. 14.

Okpik, DG Nanouk. “Warming.” Corpse Whale. University of Arizona Press, 2012, p. 22.
write this more human like and in more simple terms