Indigenous Days at the Seattle Center!

A big thank you to Marc Taylor of the Seattle Indian Health Board who invited me to participate in this year’s 2^nd Annual Indigenous Cultures Day in Seattle. This year, it was held outside right next to the fountain! What made it very special for me, was that my 3 younger nieces; Kyra, Karissa, Kenita,  and 2 cousins; Cat and Aspen, all came over and got to participate in the event with me!

For the few days leading up the event, we practiced the Swan Dance, and the Welcome Dance together. These are very special, old, social dances that are performed by girls. Of course, growing up on the Reservation, my nieces and cousins had learned them and practiced them before, but never in front of such a large and diverse audience! My family and I wanted them to feel confident in what they were doing. Also, we hadn’t really gotten the chance to hang out with each other, since we live here in Seattle. So, participating in this event really brought our family closer together.

At the event, we performed in the morning, and again in the afternoon. During my presentation, I handed them the microphone and had them say their names and what tribe they were. Of course, they’re all Yakama, so I wanted to make sure it wasn’t too scary for them. I was surprised when my youngest niece, Kenita, confidently joined me on stage the second time on the along with her older cousin Kyra. The second time, it was at the invitation of last year’s Miss Yakama Nation, Carmen Selam and her brother Eric who was serving as National Indian Days Warrior. 

Whispering to Kenita on stage. 

Throughout the day, I got to visit and shake hands with the various Native vendors who were tabling. Our family was tabling and selling Fry Bread as a fundraiser. The sun came out off and on, and I got to enjoy the other performances that were given. It’s honor for me to be Miss Yakama Nation, and I’m just glad that I got to bring my little cousins and nieces along for the ride. 

Kyra, Aspec, Cat, Kenita, me, and Karissa!! Nice job ladies!
(photo courtesy of Daniella Pawl)