First Powwow as Miss Yakama Nation!!

Every year for the past forty one years, the Delta Park Powwow is held in Portland Oregon. At this year’s Powwow, time was taken to honor the many veterans who have sacrificed for their country and their families. It was my honor to represent the Yakama Nation at this event.

           

Due to a time conflict between this Powwow and the Chief Joseph & Warriors Powwow, I was only able to attend Delta Park for the evening session. Nonetheless, it was truly a wonderful session and an honor to shake hands with the Elders and the Veterans that were recognized. The Powwow Committee was very kind to me and allowed me to change into my regalia in their RV parked right outside the dancing arena. I met with Celeste Whitewolf, who was tabling as a vendor from an organization called, Native People’s Circle of Hope. Their national organization is a coalition of cancer survivors and support group whose mission is to “help the survivor, their family members, and caregivers understand that they are not alone.” She has strong interests in starting a Circle of Hope Chapter with the Yakama Men’s Group and really cares about our people.

Prior to Grand Entry, I registered and was shaking hands with the Committee members at the podium when I was promptly asked to say a few words. Of course I agreed and briefly introduced myself and thanked the Committee and everyone for attending the Powwow. Later I spoke again during the Grand Entry, and this gave me an opportunity to address the Veterans more specifically. I was able to thank them directly and was able to encourage the young ones to pay attention to the stories of their ancestors and the warriors who fought to keep them safe. Later in the evening, I asked Miss Warm Springs to accompany me in shaking the hands of the Elders. We shook hands with nearly all the Elders in the bleachers and were thanked by many for our words spoken during the Grand Entry.

With fellow Royatly!

This was a beautiful event and I really appreciated the unexpected surprise of being able to speak twice because I was able to address the Veterans the second time. I liked being able to speak more personally and from the heart the second time because I really do believe that the sacrifice of not only our past warriors, but our modern day ones deserves some attention and respect. 

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.