End of the year
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
I submitted a picture of my girlfriend Lexy and myself. We are at our tribal community center after my high school graduation.

During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
I submitted a picture of my girlfriend Lexy and myself. We are at our tribal community center after my high school graduation.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
healing
I am a competitive national cheerleader and in the summer I have several cheerleading practices which lead up to our national competition. This year our national competition will be in Orlando Florida! Last year my team and I won 3rd in the nation! I hope this year we can do the same!
I am thriving in my culture by attending the national UNITY conference for Native youth. I attended the 2018 & 2019 conference and I have learned so much about my people.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Culture
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
Well Idk
Grape dumplings are a traditional Chickasaw dish that is originally made from possum grapes but are now made with grape juice. This dish is very sweet and a great dessert
My favorite tradition food is anykind of sx̌ʷyups (snake) I've caught them since forever and eat em when I can, my Indian name is qʷx̌iłat meaning the green blanket that comes in spring just when the sx̌ʷyups com out. I would describe sx̌ʷyups in one word with k̓aʔk̓ín kíʔ (childhood) cuz it’s what I grew up on
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Growth
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Freedom
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Healthier!
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
Belonging.
Family
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
My 2018 was fun and it was something to remember.
My Indigenous Hero is my son, Bazil. Bazil is a young artist and voice for suicide awareness and mental health among Indigenous teens. He knows it because he lives it. Bazil is someone who is stronger than he understands and is truly inspiring for what he has overcome in the last 3years. My Hero is Bazil Stonefish” Bazil is 17yrs old, Oneida Nation. His shirt is in the Oneida language - “Strong, Resilient, Indigenous”
Strong.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Lonely
The document I'm submitting is about my two goals that I would like to accomplish in this upcoming school year.
My indigenous hero is my sk̓ʷuy the one word I would use to describe my mother is vivacious.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
2018 was "Rooted"
The one word I would use to reflect this year is "understanding" this word means to sympathetically be aware of other people's feelings; tolerant and forgiving. The reason this word can reflect my year is because until this year I couldn't get why things were the way they were, I blamed myself sometimes rightly, but often there was nothing that I could of had control over, I amassed regret over years of my life, I've felt that way for a length of time, until I had realized something from a generic response my friend had given to the question "if you could change one regret you have what would you change?" he said "none, because I wouldn't be who I am now" and I responded to repeat myself, but cut myself off because in that moment I'd realized that I was wrong and his response was good, I thought to about that and I found that for myself I can be grateful for the things I regret because they've brought me understanding, of people, myself, situations, and outcomes. being understanding is easy to do, but hard to realize knowing others intentions is difficult to accept when you can understand every motive is justified because it is undeniably honest. This friend and I haven't been the same since I left our hometown and moved with my sister for a year, removing consistency and a positive encounter we relied upon each other for changed us and I had to be honest with myself about that although we can rationalize out feelings on being separated for a year our inner self felt abandonment, I had to be understanding about this realization I knew he felt. As the summer went on patches of isolation became normal between us sometimes after too much of each other, but most times unexplained, with no communication my mind wondered the overthinking took over and I hurt myself, being understanding meant not being able to resent him, knowing his actions was the only signals I received, this took much effort for me, and months went by I knew he felt guilt and couldn’t handle it, he’d never tell me that or show he cared and I always understood why, some people need you to love them more than show back to you, people can say it’s twisted, but it’s understandable with unconditional empathy. It got to the point where I couldn’t give effort and my emotions coming from my inner self took over and gave him an out, one he didn’t feel he caused, one that didn’t make him feel guilty. and I lost him. It’s easy to know he has others, it’s easy to know he doesn’t care as much, it’s not easy because my love is unrestricted and understanding.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
finished!
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
Grateful
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Healing
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Healing.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
One of the MANY CEREMONIES I get BLESSED to tend fire and sing at the drum in SUPPORT of the dancers. I would LOVE to share and submit more photos and videos of the MULTITUDE of ceremonies and dances I've been blessed to offer my love.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
Blessed
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
Blessed
The picture I chose is a picture of myself. The goal that I want to accomplish is loving and appreciating myself. I recently have been doing good about reaching that goal. I am also posting about my goal of writing and publishing a book. I am halfway through my book and look forward to making and accomplishing my goals
Hello guys my name is Cheyenne Weatherby and I have some new goals I would like to share. 2020 is going to be great I can already tell. I would like to focus on self love and not having things that have happened to me define who I am, that being my insecurities. My insecurities have given me a very strong sense of anxiety and depression. I feel as though I would be allowing my past to stay behind me would be greatly effective as my life has changed. I now have the love and support I've always needed. I'm super excited as to start my new job and learn who I am as a person. I would like to let girls and boys to know that your past doesn't end.
Hello I have an amazing new year's resolution. I wanna let people know that life has a greater purpose. You can always change your perspective to remind yourself that the good things happen in life. Negative things are a hill that we can get over. I used to believe that life was always super negative that nothing good comes from life. Now as my new year resolution I vow to look on the bright side of things, life isn't always cupcakes and rainbows but it's not always negative either. Life's what you make it and if you're negative about everything then life's gonna be down. I love myself and will look forward to seeing what I can accomplish for myself this year. I am ready for challenges that the year will bring. I'm ready for my love and challenges to make this year interesting .
This is my atwai uncle Vinson Macy, he was a Vietnam Veteran, he was my father figure growing up, he taught me many things, how to gather roots and berries, how to take care of fish that i caught, how to live in a good way, and how to practice my traditional ways. He was and still is my hero, without him I wouldn't have the knowledge I have now as an adult, that I pass down to my own children. Thank u!
Went on a Legacy camp and took a trip to the Jamestown settlement
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
Random picture of me
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
This picture was taking when i left a summer camp at UNC Pembroke. I made the necklace at the camp and i was so proud to wear it anywhere i went to symbolize that i was Native American. I still wear that necklace to this day and it is so dear to me.
This is my nephew Jimmy Smith-Kramer I raised him since he was a young boy he was taken from us tragically, he was ran over while camping with his friends on his 20th birthday in May of 2017 by a white man. It was a hate crime but the justice didn’t see it that way... anyways he sacrificed his life to save his friend he jumped off a back of a truck ran and tackled his friend and he took a blunt force to the head and later died the next day at the hospital.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
New Beginnings
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
My son got his first archery bull on September 21st. My Birthday present. Made our year
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Losing your best friend years ago. Finally letting go loving life. Still no BFF may she forever RIP. I miss her dearly but I shall see her again someday. Sorry not trying to be negative I love life. Survived 7.2 earthquake and thousands of aftershocks. I am a survivor.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
This is a picture if my little sister reaching up to the sky (at sun set) making her look so powerful that beams of energy are radiating from her.
In January we asked you to share how you plan to be #wellforculture this year and pledge to make 2019 your best year yet.
Halito. (Hello). My 2018 was great.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Hope
Swimming at the pond with my family.
My indigenous heros, or role models, would have to be my maternal and paternal grandfathers. They both are different in a sense of attitude. One gives a strong, inviolable presence and the other emits a kind, amiable look, yet both have a resilient, benign, and beneficent manner. They are good friends, hard workers, and amazing people from what I've observed and been told by their friends, colleagues, and other family members. I don't have one word to describe such magnanimous role models of who I want to be or to surpass or to get near their characters. I don't have a photo of either of them so I submitted a canvas painting I've made to fill in space.
This summer has been pretty busy with work and getting money to pay for college. One goal I have in mind is to grow stronger in my faith in God by reading and understanding the bible more and hangout with people who want to grow in faith.
Another goal is to raise my GPA up so that I can continue pursuing my degree. This past semester I had slipped and now I am paying for it, literally and figuratively, but I am not quitting and I will keep moving forward. This past summer's funds are going right back into school...
...I'm doing this to make everyone who looks up to me proud and encourage them to keep moving forward. I got to keep working hard, keep praying, keep praising, and keep growing. God bless you all.
I love dancing traditional over summer.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
"Adventure"
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
SURVIVED
my submission is about the two goals i have for this year and a little about myself.
In January we asked you to share how you plan to be #wellforculture this year and pledge to make 2019 your best year yet.
I plan to be Wellforculture by sharing my traditional knowledge with various people from all over. Each year I attend ceremonies, I help others, I attend conferences, I travel and everywhere I go I love to share stories. I love to share teachings and stories that’ll hopefully impact the Native youth from all over. I plan to be wellforculture by not only expressing and sharing what I know but also by living it.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
If I had to choose one word to describe this picture it would be “Blooming.” This year I have been torn apart and enlightened. I have come to learn that to heal you must be broken down to be rebuilt. I have learned to be patient and have a positive perspective. While becoming who I was meant to be, I have begun to bloom. I am a gift to the world wrapped in indigenous resistance and love. I am healing, blooming like a flower with new beginnings. This is me.
My submission is a document explaining my goals for higher education this year and also I wanted the opportunity to be able to share my goals with someone else who might benefit from them. Higher education isn't easy and it's okay to take a break or fail every now and then and I just want to let other know to never give up. I am proof that higher education is possible and that anyone can do it.
Richard Iron Cloud
Richard Iron Cloud is a peacemaker who has spent years working on the Pine Ridge Reservation to improve the tribal justice system and keep alive traditional Lakota ways of resolving conflict. He's a 2014 Bush Fellowship winner. The 100-thousand dollar grant is awarded to community leaders. Iron Cloud is pursuing his PhD in psychology; his focus is on indigenous peacemaking systems. He joined Dakota Midday and discussed his work as a peacemaker.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Training
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Kansas became the third state to pass a law to prohibit schools or other government institutions from prohibiting Native students from wearing their regalia to events such as graduations or other formal events.
My sister and I visited Lake Superior for the first time this summer. This was emotional for us because we have tribal ties to Michigan.
Geronimo remains my all time Indigenous superhero. Not just because of his resistance but because of what inspired his fight. To me, Geronimo is the first man to lead as an ally of women's honor. It was the senseless murder of his wife and daughter that sparked his vengeance sealing his infamy. His love and loss was one of the many stories of #mmiwg. Geronimo is forever my superhero who lived in real life and fought like the warrior we so desperately need today.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Experiential
During February, we asked you to share what your favorite nonverbal way to show affection is. Check out Grace's and all of this month's submissions!
This document is a short description of my favorite way to show my nonverbal affection to my boyfriend. I also have a scenario on when I would do it. Thank you very much.
My boyfriend is sitting by himself and minding his own business. I just look at him and admire how cute he is. My favorite way to show my affection towards him is to come behind him slowly and hug him. It doesn’t matter what he is doing but if I think he needs some of my love, this is what I do. He always asks me, “What are you doing goofball?”. I always tell him, “You just looked like you needed some affection.”
My two goals to accomplish this year. My first goal is to learn the in’s and out’s of animal science for the future when I become a veterinarian. The second goal is to be more active in my tribal program and learn about my great ancestors. This is the year I start to plan my way as I plan to go to vet school and I start to increase more information about my amazing tribe.
My chei, maternal grandpa, beat alcoholism. Lost his battle with cancer, raised me. Taught me what a patriarch is. Was always there for me.
Hello, So my name is Inocente from Swinomish. I have goals of money stability. Being stable is the picture I chose that simply states How my feelings Going into 2020. The serene environment allows me to step back and relax. I can think about what my next move is and how im going to play this game called life, its almost like chess but what we have to remember its not always about winning. But sometimes its about losing a little so you can learn and move forward.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
2018 was Phenomenal!!!
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
This is my niece who I had the joy of getting here ready for all the powwows this year an showing her how to dance an she enjoyed dancing this year an I enjoy her every day
My brothers. They never give up, they are good people and they are good examples.
I wanna go to school to train horses. And to learn about them. But for now I wanna do better in school. Get passing grades so I can go to college for what I want. Thank you for hearing me
I live in the urban settings of Lincoln, NE. I’m an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and I’ll be entering into my Sophomore year of High School. My picture was taken at Black Elk Peak in South Dakota. Every year we go to the Sacred Black Hills for our family vacation. We have limited access to our cell phones, no running water and no electricity during this week. I really enjoy it and always look forward to this each year and to be honest, I wouldn’t change it for the world!!!! Wopila my relatives! - Jaydon Iron Shell
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Blessed and ready for school to gain knowledge so I can grow to help my community and peers.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
Beauty at its finest
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
I’ve had the great fortune and opportunities to travel so much this year to spread words of encouragement and hope to young people all ages and color and I’m excited for this coming new year to keep going with my work!
At family Olympics with our chief on the track.
Future, 2019 Unity Conference Highlights. UnityInc.org
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
#Recognition
Subsistence is our way of life that has been past down from my mother, and her mother, and so on. Fishing for salmon and gathering our native foods is more than nutrition to us. It’s sharing experiences, stories, and teaching the next generation.
My sister and I learned how to make porcupine quil earrings at the Mary Murray Cultural Camp building on Sugar Island, Michigan. We enjoyed eating with our relatives up North and paid our respects to a family member who had passed on and was buried on Sugar Island.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Re-named/Re-claim
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
Morning drive to school with my mom and sisters.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Teach
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Honor
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
Grace
Hello, my name is Kameica R. Yazzie: I am a Navajo woman from Low Mountain, Arizona. I was born on the Hopi reservation in a small town called Keams Canyon. Growing up on the Navajo Reservation I had no access to a fancy gym. Therefore, I found joy in running outside my house. where I live there are a lot of sandy hills and this made an excellent running course for me. I would love to state that I love incline and found it as a stress reliever because I notice ever since I started running I was less stress.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Amazing
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
Happiness
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Storytellers
My submission is an image of me beading on a loom. A lot of my heritage and culture was lost with my great great grandfather. My mother taught herself most of the culture and heritage that our family has lost through the generations and she has made sure I am learning too.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
ᓴᐨᒉᓴᓬ
“Successful”
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Bittersweet
My submission is about the goals I have for school and a sport I like to play but am not very good at.
This year I want to graduate and then strive toward my goal to be a high school teacher bat while preserving my culture.
Hiking to see that beautiful view of my homelands, Payahüünadü “the place where water flows”.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
Always doing anything to help my baby girl and those who suffer from MS.
"TEAM QUEENIE" MS Walk 2018..
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
Lit
My support system is my church family especially the ones who serve doing praise and worship with me. They are always here to help me with any struggle or problem.
My submission is about what I want to do in my life
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Pop Socket.
.
Glorious
Myself, my mom and cousins participating in our ceremonial “Buffalo Dance” during Greencorn weekend. Greencorn is the celebration of the new year for each individual Ceremonial ground.
I represent my tribe by helping my elders whenever I can and if they want to I listen to there story’s about our tribe in the past and how it’s changed. I believe we can not break the cycle unless we know what happened in the past. I don’t only help the elders just to get their stories, I help them because I care about our elders. I hope they live, and have lived a long and happy life, and If I can be a part of that I will always try to do my best.
I love going to LGBT prides and going to powwows as myself and not who people want me to be.
Some goals for me this school year is to make the best yearbook I can and to graduate!!
This is a picture of our Native American lunch meeting that takes place every Wednesday. We have a lot of fun learning about our culture and traditions.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Resilient
My favorite summer activity is exploring new places with my family. This is my cousin at a park we found. I love capturing pictures to remember the moment :).
it's just me.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
2018 was a year full of heartbreak, happiness, new experiences, traditions and love. I’m so thankful I made it to another wonderful year to experience everything all over again. I lost people, friends, family, boyfriend but through that I gained people I never thought I’d have to chance to know. I got a job as an infant toddler teacher at Port Gamble S’Klallam Early Education Center and instantly fell in love with all 8 of my WONDERFUL children. I went to my first festival (pictured), and it was utterly life changing. I found my place in the world w all of the loving people that surround me. I can’t wait to embark on this 2019 adventure and see what the world is going to throw at me next.
My Indigenous hero is my uncle, Robert Boldeagle. He is my powwow dad that has taken care of me at every powwow for as long as I can remember. When I had my coming of age ceremony, he gifted me my first eagle feather and I cried like a baby, the gift is already strong medicine and it just meant that much more coming from him. He is the elder I look to so I can learn everything I can from prayers to sweat lodges. He is also the one that taught me the importance of knowing our language. I still remember the first time he prayed over the drum in our native language, I was so amazed and moved. One day, I hope to have as much knowledge as him.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
Blessed
It’s my cat and boyfriend they help me through this rough patch I’ve been going through. I lost a friend and I’ve been struggling so much but they keep me going everyday pushing me to be positive and to do my work in school.
During February, we asked you to share what your favorite nonverbal way to show affection is. Check out Nataanii's and all of this month's submissions!
My favorite nonverbal way to show affection is with planning a small or simple surprise. For example, going out to dinner, seeing a movie, visiting a museum, or taking a trip to do something we’ve never done before.
Hi I have been a jingle dancer for 9 years. I was the Salem/Keizer Indian Ed Student Representative for Native youths for years 2018-2019 and will also be for school years 2019-2020. I dance for healing and my family. When I enter the arena my face immediately lifts into a smile. I feel so excited to be dancing my heart out in front of everyone, showing my compassion to be dancing jingle and help heal. When I hear the drums and can feel the flow of the beat I feel the stress of the day leave me and go into my dance. Going to powwow's is my favorite summer activity because I get to learn, dance, and see my grandma proud. My favorite jingle style is to do the side step.
I chose my first goal because I recognize that I need some major improvements in my time management and I chose my second goal because my university has a lot of really cool and interesting clubs to choose from so it’s going to be hard to pick just a few!
we meet every wednesday for mettings.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Reflection and Peace
During February, we asked you to share what your favorite nonverbal way to show affection is. Check out Olivia's and all of this month's submissions!
I love my family, my grandma passed away recently and it's just my grandma and my aunt now
One goal I would like to accomplish is to take more detailed notes. Another would be interact with my classmates more!
This fall I will be attending the Institute of American Indian Arts. I am excited to be in an artistic environment surrounded by various indigenous cultures, and I am ready for all the changes and growth I will experience. I want to share Chickasaw culture with others through my artwork, and I want to learn about other Native American cultures. Chokma'shki!
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Spiritual
My brother Dwayne Simpson is my Indigenous hero. The word that I can describe him as is irreplaceable. He risks his life everyday to ensure the safety of many lives. Dwayne Simpson is one of the few Indigenous State Police Offers in New Mexico. I love my brother and there will never be any one who could fill his shoes. This is why I choose the word irreplaceable for my brother, my indigenous hero.
This photo is when my aunty Monica graduated with her Masters Degree from ASU. This photo is special to me because it shows three generations of White Mountain Apache. My grandma Rosie (red campdress), my Mom (purple campdress), and me (in green). I tend to cherish these moments because I don’t visit my Apache roots that often because I live near the Navajo Nation.
My favorite indigenous food is the chinook salmon or in my native language nusux. it is nutritious and healthy and is a big part of my life.
My favorite summertime activity is going on the Canoe Journey with my friends and family! This picture is my cousin & I pulling in the canoe on our way to Puyallup last summer.
In January we asked you to share how you plan to be #wellforculture this year and pledge to make 2019 your best year yet.
The ground on which we stand on is sacred ground .It is the blood of our ancestors.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
This picture was taken at a dam and this dam is very special. After a 12 day ceremony, my family and friends will go to this lake and relax. This ceremony we practice are the ways of the Oglala Lakotas. I live in Skok but I practice my Lakota ways. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and to summarize my year in a word is Phenomenal.
I am pictured second from the right. Some background on me— I have a passion for helping young Native students near my university and hometown to pursue higher education or some type of workforce. I have been meeting these young warriors for the past 3 years and I plan to keep visiting them. My goals are to keep a consistent relationship with all my students in order to achieve the best outcome possible. I share my personal experiences from prepping for college to being a current college student, in addition to relaying advice I have obtained from mentors I have connected with throughout my adolescence.
Me
My goals that I want to accomplish is making more friends. I also want to go to school and make sure that the new kids in the school feel welcome. I want to have good grades and graduate this coming school year #2020grad
I spend a lot of time in our community garden with our Native fraternity (Sigma Nu Alpha Gamma), growing fresh produce for our Cherokee elders. It’s a great way to relieve stress and feel good about the work we are doing to to help address food insecurity in our Native communities.
Fishing for Walleye like we do every year and having wonderful family time!
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
happiness
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Culture
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
CULTURE
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Blessed
Something I want to accomplish by this month is staying sober and getting back into school and finishing my AA..
Throughout my years of college tours I've always had so many native advisers saying they need more native doctors! And I always agreed with helping native youth see the opportunities they have in college. Therefore we need more Native youth councils with benefits in them to motivate the native youth to get good grades.
I would like to also give credit to two youth councils that have changed my road of trials in life and motivated me to go towards my careers. Also with my current position within these youth councils:
Tribal Images Youth Council (president)
Tucson Native Youth Council (Male Co-president)
Making a difference for the future native leaders of tomorrow!
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Valiant
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Friendship
I love powwowing I like to see my family and friends at powwows, and drums, and songs at powwows.
I completed my first goal: register for classes. Thanks to my New Student Orientation Leaders! I am registered for 16 credit hours. My second goal is to “get into the groove”, college is a big change; the work ethic is different from high school; responsibilities become solely up to the student. But I know, I can, and I will get into the groove and slay my first year as a Freshman Native Scholar.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
I chose one of my senior pictures.
I recently graduated from Shelton High School and I chose this picture because it captures a bit of my culture and the true me...a very strong, confident and very proud Native.
Thank you for your consideration
~Taliah Elguero
5th grade promotion ceremony.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
This picture was taken after a Medicine Bag workshop that I helped to organize and teach for our community. Knowing that I have such a strong supportive community behind me has really influenced my career choices because I know when I need them they will be there for me. I am currently applying to medical schools and the outpouring of love and encouragement from this community has been overwhelming in such a beautiful way.
The word I would use to describe this picture is:
bami'aagan (supported one)
This is a picture of my sister and I, she is our newly crowned Miss Waaswaaganing Indian Bowl Princess 2019-2020 and travel to powwows every weekend.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
this is of me at ncnayo
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
I had the honor to be a Happy Canyon Princess and not only to represent Happy Canyon but my community, my family and my culture here I went to Portland Oregon for the Rose parade and I saw this little boy on the curb so I pulled out a flower from my saddle flowers and waved to his dad to bring him so I can give him this flower because a small act of kindness can go along way. Through out my reign I was put in front of a big group of people who wanted to learn more about my culture and myself and everyone had a different story and I cherish the new friendships that I had made along the way.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Being native is amazing. Being in a Unity group gives me opportunities to meet new people every year hear about other tribes. Also to see new people.
Looking at my acceptance letter on laptop, I want to learn to transition and adjust to college life. Another goal is to keep my drive and determination in college work.
We thank the good Lord above everyday and we protect and cherish mother Earth to the best of our ability
During February, we asked you to share what your favorite nonverbal way to show affection is. Check out Wanese and all of this month's submissions!
Hello there,
Valentine’s Day is all about spreading love and receiving love in anyway possible. I love this day of the year because it’s the day to appreciate all the little things in life. My daughter was born on 1/19/19. She is the greatest thing to ever happen to us! A nonverbal affection that we both show to her is just giving her everything we can and loving her and caring for her in every possible way. She is our image of love. It goes saying “love comes in all shapes and sizes.”
Me and my friend Kyrell enjoy going to Pow-Wows alot! This keeps us very fit and very happy!
My goals this academic year is to maintain above a 3.5 gpa, and make the deans list for my last year of college.
Also to stay focused on continuing my learning of the language, teachings and traditional arts.
I spent my entire summer in the hospital because of a sports injury to my right foot that got infected. My whole life all I have known and loved was sports. This year I will be a senior but my future in sports doesn't look too bright which is heartbreaking to me. I always try my best to be positive, so my goal for this year is to become more involved with other school activities or clubs that I missed out on because of sports. Also to focus on myself and have hope.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo that reflects your 2018 :)
This is my favorite moment of 2018. For my birthday, my parents bought me and my friend Brooke Simpson VIP tickets. We had the chance to met Brooke Simpson and we had 2nd row seats! Brooke is such a sweetheart and has such a kind soul.
Wanderlust
During the summer photo contest, we asked you to share how you connect with culture and show your Native pride. Check out all of the entries and #represent!
The Tachi Yokut youth is here in Malibu California at the Wishtoyo Chumash Village learning how to respect the Ocean and the earth, were sleeping in Huts. PS I'm the one in khaki shorts, long sleeve and the long black socks :)
We went on a hike and before we started walking we had to pray for the land. We had to give back with this tobacco and in return we could walk its trails without disturbing the nature. In my picture i'm holding tobacco and the background is nothing but beautiful growung plants.we must pray for our earth everyday, and thank her for letting us see what beauty she brings. That is one of the ways i protect this precious earth, is by praying!
Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!
Hello, my name is Kambria Siyuja. I am of the Havasu Baaja, people of the blue-green waters, also known as Havasupai. I live in Supai, Arizona, which is in the bottom of the Grand Canyon, but right now I live in Holbrook, Arizona. What I do to help from stressing out is I treat myself, I use a Saturday or Sunday to maybe drink some tea and take deep breathes or I will put a facial mask on and listen to positive music. I would go home to attend social gatherings but I cannot because I stay at a boarding school, but it also has a few culture days where I can preform traditional dances for everyone and I can feel uplifted by the dance. When we don’t have those days and I am really stressing out I will pray, my roommate is knowledgeable about this so when I am stressed she will ask if I need to talk or need some time alone. I also read, clean, write five encouraging verses from the bible, stretch, brush my hair, make a recovery playlist (positive music), talk a little walk, take a nap, wash my face, draw, sit in silence or play a game. Although I am only 15 I stress a lot from school but I stay calm by these things on top or I talk to the staff here, they help me in a lot of ways. Thanks for reading.
Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!
Hello, my name is Isis Arce. I am Navajo and Yaqui, yep I’m mixed. I live in the Navajo Reservation with my family. I dance jingle but I hardly go to Pow wows because of my school and that we can only miss 10 school days or I’m kicked out. My school does have this weird cultural festival though. I don’t really know how I have a good mental health. Possibly the only thing I do to keep myself in a good mental state is I drink tea and draw. I am a mixture of an introvert and an extrovert. The side I show more is the introvert side. That is another way how I am at a good mental state because I get to stay away from people and be by myself. When I’m by myself I play music, watch anime, and just chillax. Basically I feel better when I am alone. Another thing I do is that I have a stuffed animal and his name is Foxy – Kun. I am not shameful of sleeping with a stuffed animal! I love Foxy because when I have a really bad day or I just want a hug I go to Foxy. I am still young and I have not really experienced life. Okay, thank you for reading this.
Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!
The things that can keep my mental health healthy is by being optimistic. When I think about the past, I think about what was good. I don’t think about the bad times. I don’t think that the past will change my future. I also think about the present. I act and think positive most of the time. I like to joke around with my friends and laugh. One of my favorite things to do is laugh. I always try to find pleasure in my life, surroundings, friends, good, and bad. I think about the future I am optimistic. I try to think realistic and not over exaggerating and even if it is going to be bad, it is not going to be the end of the world. I also like to watch YouTube videos. I love to watch my favorite YouTubers. They always make me laugh and smile. Their videos are interesting too. I like to listen to my music too. It gets me pumped up, happy, and excited. I also like to DJ at my house, which is always fun to do. I would say my favorite thing that does make me happy is laughing really hard with my family, friends and even by myself.
I had to do it for an assignment in health class. It was OK. I know i'm not gonna win.
Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!
How to take care of your mental health
Mental health problems can cause people to think , act, and feel differently than they usually do.
Taking care of your physical health can improve you mental health.
So make sure to:
• Eat nutritious meals
• Avoid drugs
• Drink plenty of water
• Exercise
• Get enough sleep
And valuing yourself. Then surround yourself with good people.Learn how do deal with stress. Quiet your mind.Set realistic goals.Get help if you really need it. Set up a get away. Experiment. ( do a new recipe, write a poem, piant or try a pinterest project. )You can color or read a book. Laugh every once in a while. Make your house work fun. Take a break from the world go camping or hiking. Give your phone a rest. Do some fun activities with your family or friends. Or you can just relax give yourself a break. Or if something has been bothering you write it out a paper. Spend some time with a friend or a pet. Be a tourist to your own home just to explore what goes on around you. Like I said earlier if something or someone is bothering you practice forgiveness. Send a thank you note to people who helped you in pass times. Take a nature walk outside or somewhere far away. Or go outside enjoy the sunshine.
i did this for a school project so i hope i win.
Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!
Health is way more than maintaining your body. It involves Spiritual health, emotional health, and mental health. To start off, I am Aliandra Lopez. I go to Holbrook Adventist Indian School, but I live in Phoenix Arizona. I am half Mexican & Navajo. I smudge almost every day, it helps me relax and feel renewed. My health is the most important to me because we all need our body to be strong and it help us cope with stress and also fight illness. I dance once in a while but I definitely exercise each day to keep myself in good shape and in good health condition. I used to dance as a Chinelo for the Mexicans. I did that every weekend for whoever invited us and wanted a dance for them. The Chinelo group has always taken care of me, they’ve shown me that there’s light in life if you just do what you love and stay positive each day. I am proud to be part native because I know we are powerful and bright and so is our future. I may be only 15 years old right now, but I have the mind to fulfill my dreams, passions, goals and aspirations. I want to be able to be a motivational speaker to those who think they are alone in this world. I give thanks to the staff at my school for not only encouraging me to do things I love but for taking me out of my shell, giving me confidence and strength to strive for what I want in the future. My future counts but so does yours. Fight for what you love and don’t give up. We Native Americans are stronger with people supporting us than trying to make it on our own.
Native American Power
Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!
Hi, my name is Cheyenne Weatherby. I am a princess, I represent my community everywhere I go. I am Swinomish, but I live On the Lummi Nation Reservation. I smudge almost once a week, it makes me feel like I am renewed and fresh. I am working on becoming a motivational speaker. So i can share my story with the world and let teens my age know that they are not alone. What I have to present with all my love is being a blackhawk singer. I sing and dance and we do this on a weekly basis. Every Monday there is a pow wow. We share the culture with the kids and teens of Lummi Nation school. I will smudge with my blawkhawk family because that's what we are. We are a big family. My family has taken great care of me. They have brought me into a light that I had no idea it even existed. I allow this to heal my wounds of the heart ,soul and mind. I am native and I am powerful I am bright and so is my future. I may be only 17 years old right now, but i have the body to fulfill my dreams, passions and aspirations. I have taken being a blackhawk singer as being a model for the next generation that comes up behind me. This helps to clear my mind and soul and most of all my spirit. With the help of the Lummi Nation, dancing and singing has not only broken me out of a shy shell, it has given me confidence and strength
During Sexual Assault Awareness month in April, we asked you to share why it’s important to take action against sexual violence. Check out Tayton's entry :)
Standing Up against Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence. Standing Up as a support person or group. Helping people to recovery
During Sexual Assault Awareness month in April, we asked you to share why it’s important to take action against sexual violence. Check out Amethyst's entry :)
I hung up flyers around my school giving bits of information for everyone to understand the frequency of sexual assault and the seriousness. I also collected a few students to speak up and help spread awareness. The paper crumpled up and then smooth back out is a metaphor for a victim and the damage it causes on their mind.
During Sexual Assault Awareness month in April, we asked you to share why it’s important to take action against sexual violence. Check out Caleb's entry :)
The statistics are never talked about in America, but in Indian country we know them to be true and they say that 3/5 of indigenous women will be sexually assaulted in their life. As a guy, this hurts my heart. As a brother this makes me angry and saddens me to see 5 indigenous women and know that the statistics say 3 of them have been sexually assaulted. Our women are the strongest step for healing our communities; they need to be protected #MMIW
During national nutrition month in March we asked you to share what traditional foods you're eating! Check out Skylar's entry. Winners announced at the end of the month!
ᎪᎨᏗᏜ ᎠᏩᏗ ᎨᏐ ᎡᎾᎨ ᎡᎯ ᎡᎩ (Towards spring time, it time to find wild onions)
Every year around spring time, me and my family will go into the woods to gather and pick wild onions. Its is a tradition passed down from generations. It is a good way to get outside and enjoy each others company.
During national nutrition month in March we asked you to share what traditional foods you're eating! Check out Mya's entry.
I am a 16 year old young woman born with Native American heritage. I was in foster care and now live in a permanent adoptive, loving home. I learn about preparing and eating foods with a Germans from Russia focus. My grandma is a dietitian and teaches foods classes at a tribal college. Together we plant, harvest, cook and preserve local foods like wild asparagus, pickles, deer, and wild fruit like apples and berries. I love it that I am reminded that my biological and adoptive cultures are so much the same through food. Food becomes my traditions and memories so I can bloom where I am planted and tell the next generation who I am and how local food made me healthy. Auf Wiedersehen! and Leela ampaytu keen washtay!
During national nutrition month in March we asked you to share what traditional foods you're eating! Check out Mariah's entry.
Bison and Wild Rice Meatballs with a Saskatoon Berry Relish and a Side of Green Beans: I made this as the first episode of "Indigikitchen" where I use traditional foods in the modern kitchen. I love reminding people about all the foods that came from this continent and how healthy they are!
During national nutrition month in March we asked you to share what traditional foods you're eating! Check out Alicia's entry.
Wild ginger is one of my favorites and mountain milk weed is hard to work with but it's amazing when your finished also acorn is collected every year, it's season for deer if it's in my yard
During national nutrition month in March we asked you to share what traditional foods you're eating! Check out Russell's entry.
Choke cherry tea and deer meat which both were harvested this past year.
During February, LOVE was in the air and we asked you to share what you look for in a relationship! Happy Valentine's Day!
I believe in love. I love, love. But, what I look for in a relationship is truth, respect, loyalty, faithfulness and love. I have taken a vow of "True Love Waits." When I am ready for a relationship it will be with someone who will most likely be my future husband. He will be kind, loyal, faithful, respectful, focused on Creator and his people, love animals. He will have a good work ethic and be creative, most of all he will have the respect for me and my decision to wait to have sexual activity until I am married. I know a lot of youth today do not take a vow of abstinence, and I know a lot that do, but it is just as important as staying safe if you choose to be sexually active. And that is what WeRNative is all about all the different Tribal youth, some come from the same environment, some from total opposite sides of Turtle Island and beyond, but the beauty of it all is we have a choice and that's what truly makes us free. My choice however old fashion it may be is to save myself for marriage and I am not ashamed to say that. My family didn't make this choice for me, I made it for me. Thank you for taking the time to hear what I have to say. Love and respect to you all.
During February, LOVE was in the air and we asked you to share what you look for in a relationship! Happy Valentine's Day!
My submission is about the communication in a relationship is key without communication it falls apart. This picture is of me and my boyfriend Isaias and our baby (puppy) Khaleesi. Without being able to communicate and listen to each other you cant get over any situation. You have to listen and communicate with your partner, and if you can't do that, then i dont think he or she is worth it.
During February, LOVE was in the air and we asked you to share what you look for in a relationship! Happy Valentine's Day!
He is the father of my son. We may fight at times but he is a really good father and a really good friend when I need him.
During February, LOVE was in the air and we asked you to share what you look for in a relationship! Happy Valentine's Day!
What I look for in a healthy relationship is the opposite of an unhealthy relationship. I am 15 years old, so I am still learning on what a good relationship is, but I do know what a unhealthy relationship looks and feels like. An unhealthy relationship is where your significant other cheats, lies, keeps secrets and is untrustworthy. Which I guess you can say that a healthy relationship is where your significant other treats you with respect, have honesty, and stays loyal. Everyone desires this perfect relationship where everything is going so well and there’s no conflict, but every relationship has conflict so in a healthy relationship there is going to be conflict which you have to believe that you and your partner can get through the problems that you face, also how you end a argument gives a sign on how healthy or unhealthy your relationship is. The best predictor on a divorce is how you end a fight/ argument. I’m in a relationship as in right now you can say we have a healthy relationship. My partner and I tell each other everything because we trust each other.
Changes in 2016 is that I will continue to help other further than i have in 2015 and having others helplessness as a push on my motivation.
Photo by https://flic.kr/p/8jpHoi
The Coleville native youth group pictured includes Shaylor, Sloan, Pawahnee and Rosalia Their Rezoloutions are Shaylor: "To succeed in my young adult life. finish H.S. & go to college (top of my class)" Sloan: "help others out, stay fit, be nice to others, keep my grades up." Pawahnee: "Keep my grades up, stay in shape for sports." Rosalia: " To get scholarships for college! EXERSICE Work on spelling..."