Native American Appreciation Night with Lady Cougars!

This was quite the unusual type of event for me for many reasons one; I’m a UW Husky and WSU Cougars are our mortal enemies, two; the ladies on the opposing team are Umatilla, sister Tribes to the Yakama, and three; my mom although a UW Graduate, is at heart, a Cougar from her WAZZU Undergrad years. So, I was very excited to go, since the Yakama Nation Youth Activities, LISTEN Program invited me and I played basketball in high school and love it!

With the Wapato and Toppenish kids, and Patsy Whitefoot. 

The event was put on by the Lady Cougars Basketball Team and I first heard about this game while at the WSU Fall Powwow this past October. The Basketball Team made an appearance and invited all to come check it out. They were to play against Louisville University, where Umatilla Ballplayer Shoni Schimmel and her sister Jude Schimmel play. They’re family are the stars on the recent film, “Off the Rez,” where their success story about basketball is shared. In honor of recognizing the accomplishments of these ladies, royalties were invited to attend and be recognized at half time. Yakama Nation Youth Activities Program in conjunction with Johnson O’Malley, sponsored two Greyhounds to bus people to the game in Pullman. My family and I enjoyed the ride with various kids and other families as we jammed out to the films; Elf, and Coach Carter.

Wave!

Basketball is a big thing in Indian Country and brings families, and people together. Although I didn’t get to speak at this event, I thoroughly savored every moment of the game—which was very close—reminiscing of my younger years. Hanging out with Miss Pah-Loots-Pu is always fun, this year’s WSU Powwow Queen is Chelsie Pratt, who hails from the Warm Springs Reservation. All our Queens are lovely examples to our youth about leadership, and pursuing your dreams. It was amazing being able to meet with the younger royalties, Miss and Lil Miss Julyamsh. It means a lot to our Native youth to see themselves in these big places, and having our youth visit any college is a great way to reinforce the idea that they can pursue higher education, and that it is normal for Natives to be getting their degrees. Shoni and Jude are an inspiration, heroes even and just the tip of the ice berg of the talent within each of our Native children. They’re story empowers me to remember that I learned a lot about myself through basketball: my strengths, the limits I put on myself, and how far I can push to be all I can be. It meant the world to me, when I was little, to see strong ladies duking it out on the court, whether they were Native or not, so being able to watch these Native ladies play college ball and to see all the kids they’ve lifted up is definitely something I’ll treasure. 

Making it in Muckleshoot

The Powwow was held at the Muckleshoot Tribal School, and it was my first time there. There were a few other events going on throughout the day, and earlier that morning I visited the Bazaar at a local Muckleshoot Church. While helping my dad put up his booth, I got the chance to talk with a young girl who was volunteering with the fry bread. She had just won a scholarship to visit DC Arlington National Cemetery for an essay she had entered with her school at Enumclaw! Awesome!! She was already doing great things and she was only in the 8^th grade! It’s always a pleasure to see our youth having the courage to allow their education to take them places. Unfortunately she couldn't make it to the Powwow later that evening, but our conversation was enough to light up the gray overcast day.

With the royalties

That evening we drove into the driveway of the Muckleshoot Tribal School, it was a beautiful newly remodeled building. I know it definitely boosts morale and pride when you’re school building looks as fit as a 4A city school. It’s always special to me when cultural events are held at schools, and I always try to acknowledge and recognize why it’s important that Tribes are the ones teaching our youth. “Education” and “culture” aren’t opposites in my opinion, they go hand in hand. As I walked in the stands, I shook hands with people and wished them happy holidays. The evening was quiet, and I got to enjoy seeing my cousin dance Fancy Shawl. My dad sold his Deer jerky and the raffle tickets for Clear Sky Native Youth Council. As I watched the dancing, I reflected on that girl and how supportive her family was, and how proud her grandmother was when we were speaking. I had shared with her that this was just the tip of the iceberg and that there are many more things to come when you go to college, more opportunities. It makes me glad for the Native mentors both in our families and in our schools, and knowing that little girl has some gives me hope to see more of our youth flexing their talents.      

Honoring our Sports Warriors!

I was asked by my friend Angelo Baca to attend and speak at the Sports Warriors Honoring Dinner at the Duwamish Longhouse. He does a lot of work with the youth at Big Sky High School, he's also a filmmaker and he and I know each other from UW. But he also happens to be an medal winning competitive runner! He was hosting the Sports Warriors Team who would be competing in an upcoming race the next day at the USATF National Championship Race at in South Seattle. Many of these people were once affiliated with Wings for America, a national organization that empowers Native youth through running. I learned about them at NCAI, where I met their Program Director, Dustin Martin. Dustin was promoting the film , “Run to the East,” a documentary about Native kids fresh out of high school who are competitive runners. One of the kids from the film was actually there that night at the dinner! Wow!! It reminded me that there are Natives who are pursuing healthy lifestyles and who are fighting to live in balance. Quite honestly I was bubbling with anticipation to see these young people who were being such good examples of living drug-free and alcohol-free simply by being themselves.   

These athletes introduce themselves.

My dad was a runner in his younger years, and he always encouraged me to be healthy, and athletic, both spiritually and physically. It reminded me of how he would always tell me to pray before a basketball game, and often I’ve found a similarity in Native athletes; the blending of cultural spirituality with sports. All in all, I can’t say what it was that fascinated most about this event, the athletes, or perhaps it was because I wanted motivation to work out more often. I’m sure I got both. Throughout the evening we listened as various runners were asked to share their story and what inspires them about running. There were a men’s team and a women’s team. They all sounded so strong and independent! Yet the room was full with their families and people who supported them.

Angelo's introduction.

When I spoke I asked the team to stand up so we could applaud them. I said how thankful I was to be there and how inspiring they were for me and that their example will bless the upcoming youth even if they themselves can’t tell yet. I said how their stories made me think of people like Billy Mills, youth like Shoni Schimmel, and the long history of Native athletic games like Lacrosse. These runners are part of that history and although they’re young, they're making that history every day, and every time they compete. I thanked them for coming to the Pacific Northwest to share their talent and it’s my sincere hope for them to continue to be successful and to keep pushing themselves. In a way I feel like they are doing what many people wish they could by staying healthy and strong. They’re definitely an example for me to keep exercising, and I know they’ll continue to be an example for more people to come. 

With the Women's Team!

NAHM; Celebrate on the Yakama Rez!

This entire day consisted of three consecutive events; the Opening of a new Veteran’s Exhibit at the Yakama Nation Heritage Museum, the Elder’s Honoring Luncheon at the Yakama Nation Tribal School, and finally, the Native American Heritage Month Assembly at my very own Wapato High School. Fortunately for me, I was very interested in being part of as many things as I could so I was alright with having an action packed day. To start with, the Opening of the Veteran’s Exhibit began at 8 am sharp. The exhibit was a display of the many Yakama veterans along with a gifting of a very special American Flag to our people. Like my presentation at the Veteran’s Camp, I was asked to do the Welcome Dance and say a few words. (I was rescued by the Library Staff Merida and Ezilda who had a copy of the song.) During my talk, I spoke about my Pusha (my grandfather on my dad’s side), Joe Jay Pinkham Jr, and his life’s work for Native Veterans across this country. I’m always proud to share that he was one of the first Native Master Gunner Sergeant’s of the Korean War, and that he served on our General Council for nearly 50 years. But the highlight of the program surely went to Virginia Beavert, one of the 4 remaining Yakama veterans of World War II, and also the prominent linguist of our Tribe. She gave a powerful speech which everyone responded with a standing ovation.

Yakama Warriors

After the presenting of the new flag, Dad and I headed over to the Tribal School for the Elders Honoring Luncheon. This luncheon is put on by the students and teachers of the Yakama Nation Tribal School which serves students between middle school and high school. It was my first time attending the event and this year was made even more special with the return of the Waptu, or wild Potato. After 50 years, without any replanting, the potato came back. Calvin Wahsise, the little brother of my good friend Andrea Wahsise requested that we welcome the food with a set of seven songs; old Wa’shut way. In Yakama culture, Wa’shut religion governed and continues to govern, how the bands organized feasts, by aligning themselves with the cycles of nature, and conducted sacred prayer in thanksgiving for these feasts, through ancient songs and ceremonies. Calvin invited elders in the audience to do the drumming and it was soothing for me to hear these songs again. As we ate, I was asked to come up and speak a few words. I shared my story of having to move back and forth between the Rez and Seattle, and how what protected me amidst those years of culture confusion (not to mention shock) was knowing who I am as a Yakama. It’s our songs, teachings, and stories that reinforce our identity and that’s what has given me strength.

With Miss National Indian Days at Wa-Hi

After speaking, Dad and I hustled over to Wapato High School (now you see why the joke, “Wap-potato” is appropriate) for the Native American Heritage Month Assembly. I was asked by the Native American Student Association, the club I myself was once part of, to speak and present the school with a Yakama Nation flag. Prior to the Assembly, I visited with the Disability students; my aunt Paige teaches their class, and asked me to come and speak with them for a few minutes. It was nice to talk with these kids who are often separated from the rest of the happenings of the school. It was wonderful visiting with them, and answering their questions, it reminds me that I need to be more aware of how our communities are impacted by Disability even on the Reservation. I was anxious as we headed over to the gym for I was truly thrilled to be part of the assembly, and more proud than I could ever be, to see how NASA has grown and evolved. To see how these students have really learned to take initiative in bringing Yakama culture into the schools was inspiring. Arguably, high school students are probably the most difficult audience to engage at an assembly so I kind of had to pull out my insider as a Wolf (class of ’08). I remembered how unaware my non-native classmates were of Yakama culture when I was in high school, so I had more than a few first-hand experiences to share. During the 15 min Q&A I was asked to perform the Butterfly Dance, which I did…on a full stomach. But hey, that’s high school. And it was all worth it. J

Culture in College

I was invited to the South Seattle Community College Native American Heritage Month Salmon Bake by friend Patricia Allen—a Tlingit/Haida who is the Native American Student Commission Director, and is in charge of such events. Patricia and I met a year ago when I was the American Indian Commission Director for UW and our jobs crossed paths. I’m particularly proud of our Native students who are involved in student government and especially with my experience in putting on the ASUW AISC 2011 Winter Powwow, I’m definitely appreciative of students who take valuable time and who sacrifice to put on these important cultural events. Going to school in Seattle can be difficult if you’re Native as there isn’t a nearby Reservation or a large population in such a diverse and large city. Urban Indians, often struggle twice as hard to establish a strong, visible Native presence in schools and it’s no different in college. I know, that going to University of Washington, where there are 40,000+ students, I often feel like a number, and reaching the Native community can be a challenging task since students are so spread out. But when we come together in our Native clubs like First Nations @ UW, or AISES, it’s a beautiful feeling to find your community and to feel encouragement by the presence of your fellow peers. I like to maintain strong ties with Native students from other colleges, and I admire Patricia’s work and the example she is to me.   

I was also interested to see the turnout, she advised me that a majority of non-native students usually are in attendance, which is to be expected. It’s important for me that when I engage an audience that I do it at an appropriate level so that I pace myself. For example, I don’t give the exact same presentation for elementary students as I would these college students. Also, I try to play off of other presenters in the program that I’m part of, but this time around I was the first presenter aside from the Sacred Water Canoe family who sang an honoring song, along with various songs throughout the lunch. So, I tried to go ‘back to the basics’ and made sure to include a lot of Native history in the Seattle area and Washington state history. As I spoke, I began to realize that this is probably what professors go through when they give lectures. To make sure I didn’t put myself to sleep, I included my personal experience growing up back and forth between the Yakama Reservation and Seattle. That was after all challenging for me, and I know it's not an uncommon experience. 

But, as I spoke, I learned that there is sometimes more value in sharing a personal story rather than reciting facts and court cases. History is after all written from personal accounts, but there isn't enough written from Native peoples' perspective so why not give one? And who knows? Maybe someday...  

Native 101

I was really, and I mean REALLY looking forward to this presentation. I’d been invited by my aunt Vicki Pinkham to present at Pinehurst K-8 for their Native American Heritage Month Assembly. Their family comes to Clear Sky meetings every Tuesday, and they’re very supportive of their children, and their daughter attends Pinehurst. Scott and Vicki are Professors at the University of Washington and do a lot of outreach for our Native students in the sciences. I found this to be a special opportunity to try and reach the younger, non-native kids who are at the perfect age to soak up new knowledge. I am deeply aware of the struggles of our Native students who encounter micro-aggressions from their peers at school (sometimes not so micro), which in my experience, more often than not stems from ignorance and…sometimes a lack of respect. As these children were still very young, I was intensely determined on making a presentation that they could both learn from, and feel comfortable asking questions all in a respectful, appropriate way. They’re children, and any child can learn anything at a young age.

I began with the basics. I figure they can learn the in-depth political stuff when they get older. For now, I just wanted to give them the context; a simple but diverse, picture of Indian Country. After introducing myself, I knew their first questions would probably be around my regalia, so I taught them the word, “regalia,” and had them repeat it. I figured many of these kids had been to Powwows or at least heard of them and making sure they didn’t say “costume” is definitely a box to check off. I then launched into the presentation using “Did you know…?” questions. I always found these to be engaging when I was little, and I hoped to use it again with presenting some basic 101 about Native Americans in today’s world. I had to draw from a book I had read from one of my courses, “Native Roots,” which essentially documents the long history of how modern day technologies can trace their origins to Native and indigenous cultural practices. From the Constitution to Popcorn, from medicine to sports, Native teachings have been incorporated and used to propel society into the future. As I spoke, I found myself standing a little taller, speaking a little louder and I could feel a happy warmth spread from my crown, all the way to my moccasin-clad toes. It was a beautiful feeling that would persist for days afterward. 

I reflected on a life changing experience I had in the 2nd grade. One of my classmates said to me, “All you believe in are your stupid Indian legends!” Her words taught me to question what other people think of when they hear the word, “Indian.” It made me ponder how our youth and children are educated and whether or not there’s a way for we as Native people to feel validated, and comfortable in our own skin. But as we did Q&A, I found there were children as young as 7 years old who wanted to know about the Native Tribes in California, who were interested in the Canoe Journey here in Seattle, who wanted to know what kind of math the Aztecs did, who wanted to know more. It was also healing for me, not just to share my culture, or historical knowledge, but to hear their positive response to it and their sincere desire to learn more. It gives me hope for the next generation. 

There is legislation in Congress by the National Indian Education Association that seeks to improve Native education. Support the Native CLASS Act and find out how we can benefit our kids to live more educated lives!   

Day 3: Youth Commission Activities and Honoring Luncheon!

So much had happened by now, it was all I could do to keep up! The next day of Youth Commission featured presentations from Big Brothers Big Sisters in Indian Country, Center for Native American Youth, the Youth Honoring Luncheon, and two time Native GRAMMY recording artist Star Nayea!

Morning Presentations!

The Big Brothers Big Sisters in Indian Country discussed mentorship, and how we—Native kids—can be mentors for the younger ones. We did an activity where we made a paper kid and paper mentor and told their story. Afterwards we broke up into talking circles-important discussion groups where we passed around a feather much like a talking stick. I enjoyed the conversation our group had; we discussed cultural vs contemporary attire. We all came from different tribes all over the country and it really made me appreciate the diversity of tribal leadership, albeit, on a macro scale.

Youth Commission Activities

Afterward, we heard a brief presentation from Dustin Martin, the Program Director for ‘Wings for America, a national organization that empowers Native youth through running and fitness. He discussed the film, “Run to the East,” and how we as Native people can use our cultural lifestyles to keep us not only physically healthy, but spiritually as well. The Center for Native American Youth discussed with us more in depth about how we can use healthy lifestyles for suicide prevention and further youth development in our own communities. We heard from Dirk Whitebreast, the tribal leader from Sac & Fox Tribe of Minnesota. He shared his incredible journey from suicide when he decided to run 10 marathons in 30 days to raise awareness of youth suicide prevention. I really appreciated their message and it’s helping me understand that healing comes in many different ways.

Luncheon!

It came time for the Youth Honoring Luncheon! (I was particularly looking forward to this as I was very hungry and my mom and I had developed a habit of not eating breakfast by now.) During this luncheon, we would be honoring an outstanding boy and girl with the Ernie Stevens Jr., Leadership Award. My mom and I (after a frantic 15 min search for the ballroom) sat with Annette Anquoe of the Seattle Indian Health Board, and the students from T’ohono O’dham Youth Council joined us. I had seen them at UNITY this last summer so we finally got to formally introduce ourselves.

Ballroom for Luncheon

Later, Star Nayea took the stage and gave a powerhouse performance (like always)! I’ve met her before through my time in Red Eagle Soaring (a Native American theatre group here in Seattle) and at a previous conference. As always she shared her incredible story as a “Scoop Up” baby; she was part of the 60’s/70’s generation of First Nations children who were stolen from their families and purposely adopted outside their communities to be assimilated into non-native society. She found her healing through music and singing. She would be the final presentation to the youth after the luncheon. J

Winner of the Ernie Stevens Jr. Leadership Award

Afternoon Presentations!

Prior to the Culture Night that evening, my mom and I were eager to attend the General Assembly to see the report by Loretta Tuell, Majority Staff Director and Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The Congressional Messages report featured an update about the Native CLASS Act, which seeks to improve Indian Education Nationwide among other important topics. Even with my knowledge as a college student, it was all I could do to keep up during the Q&A. The diversity of issues in Indian Country will always continue to boggle and turn my mind inside out! I met Tuell at UNITY this last summer and she was the one who made the report about why it’s wrong to associate Osama Bin Laden with Geronimo, and that’s the same report that went viral on facebook.  

Getting into the afternoon, my mom and I decided to check out some of the subcommittee meetings. I was desperate to see what Tribal leaders were doing in Indian Country pertaining to education in particular. Knowledge, be it Western, or Indigenous, or even from a movie, is something that I’m passionate about and something I struggle with every day as a college student. I awestruck by a presentation by the Chickasaw Nation and what they were doing to encourage their college students to come back to work for the tribe. Although I’m not Chickasaw, it was empowering for me as a college student to see how our Indian people are taking care of our post-graduates. J

Delicious delights!

My mom and I ran around some more, peeking in on various other meetings. I can’t describe how exciting it all was, to see so many beautiful things happening all at once, and being around so many passionate and strong leaders. We ended the day with a firm hope and belief in a more positive future...

…and then we got ready for the Culture Night an hour later.