Indian Heritage High School '11 Graduation!!

I was asked to be a Guest Speaker at the Indian Heritage High School Graduation. Indian Heritage High School is a school in Seattle Washington where many students struggle with the same issues as our youth do on the Reservation. In urban areas, Native people can be from Tribes all across the country which makes their ability to find their culture particularly unique and troublesome. But for some time now, my family and I have had the wonderful opportunity to network with the teachers Robin Wilson and Principal Cindy Nash to find ways to bring cultural support to these students. We have had tutoring sessions and conducted prayers and sang honor songs and smudging ceremonies.

At this graduation, many of these students were in attendance. There were six graduates (five are pictured) which is a testament to their hard work and perseverance. It was held at Daybreak Star in Seattle Washington, the place of the historic Takeover at Fort Lawton. I addressed parents, graduates, and notable educators from the Seattle Public School District. I acknowledged the land of Duwamish and thanked Indian Heritage High School for having me. In my speech I discussed the importance of pursuing higher education and commended the parents on their support in their children. I spoke about the struggles of our Native students on the Reservation but also about our successes. I spoke about how our children need to find the support they need in the face of adversity. Afterward, my dad gave the opening prayer and we proceeded with the Commencement. 

The best part was hearing all the students thank their families and God for getting them that far in life. These students come from very humble backgrounds and have had to struggle with addiction, poverty, and family issues to get their Diploma. I was very proud and honored to have been able to address them as a representative of the Yakama Nation.