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Grape dumplings are a traditional Chickasaw dish that is originally made from possum grapes but are now made with grape juice.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!
During March, we asked you to share what traditional foods you're eating during national nutrition month.
I am a freshmen at Stanford University currently taking Lakota Language (my language) and every quarter our class has a Lakota Dinner with other members in the area and we come together to pray and eat sovereign foods that were originally eaten by our ancestors and for this meal we had magaksica wohanpi na kanta wojapi na ceyaka na aguyapi. (Duck Soup, Wild Plum Pudding, green mint tea, and bread even though bread was not in our traditional diet)
During March, we asked you to share what traditional foods you're eating during national nutrition month.
Hello my name is Cheyenne Weatherby, I am 16 years old and in my submission I am looking forward to the future. The future of the health of our generation I feel as if we should be eating fish, berries, and treating our land as though it is feeding us, which it is. Treat the waters as if the fish were sacred, which they are as well. I believe the fisherman and the berry pickers and the clam diggers and the life of all the animals like the deer we eat and the fish we catch, have great meaning. As we continue to move into the future the love of our fish will continue to feed us if we continue to believe it is sacred. I will say I have eaten a bunch of non-nutritious foods. But now as a matter of fact I will begin to eat fish and berries and begin to thank the creator for the food he puts on my plate. I will thank the creator for making the deer and the fish and the berries because the creator made those for us to live and be healthy. I will eat the corn grown organically and the berries from the wild. I will begin to appreciate all the food put on this earth by the creator. I will use my talent of berry picking to good use and continue to make my life healthier. The healthier I make my life the more likely the creator will give the gift of time. I am Lhaq'temish, The Lummi People. We are the original inhabitants of Washington's northernmost coast and southern British Columbia. For thousands of years, we worked, struggled and celebrated life on the shores and waters of Puget Sound. I will make the most of my land and of my time here on earth given to me by the creator.
For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Sarah's submission!
This September my husband and I will be married for 5 years and before that we dated for 2 years while in school. We were actually best friends growing up. From dating to marriage we have always supported one another in whatever it is we wanted to do. Our love for another has no limitations, when he can no longer be strong for us I am there, as he is for me. We married at 18 so when we started out we had nothing but over the years the strength and love from one another along with hard work has gotten us to where we are today. We are raising our first child who is 4 months and he has brought us closer together with making our bond stronger. From day 1 together we have always said "just you and me against the whole universe." We meant it and now it's our little family against all odds to come. With love, strength, and faith we will continue to overcome all odds.
For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Ebony's submission!
I show my husband the love and respect he deserves by supporting his every decision and being a loving, loyal companion. I’m always there for him when he is at a low point in his life and I love him unconditionally.
For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Afton's submission!
I show my partner love by supporting his ambitions and commitment to our community. He is a traditional dancer and works with other youth, as do I and as a couple we share our experiences as young native people. He supports my school endeavors and I support his dancing and youth groups. As a couple we have open communication and honesty to voice what we need or express our love for each other. He’s my Ojibwe and I’m his Lakota and together our life has been healthier and happier.
For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Sophie's submission!
Hi I'm Sophie! I'm 15 years old I'm a 10th grader in high school and love is in the air but to me love comes in all shapes and forms. The love I get isn't from a partner it's from my family and friends, and most important the love from myself. Before you love someone you have to love yourself cause that relationships won't work. I learned that the hard way I got into a relationship without telling myself I loved myself and it didn't work out. In this art, I made love always win no matter what the fight love is, and sometimes I forget I'm made of love and I forget that people love me and that is why I say love always wins no matter what fight I have at the end of the day my love is stronger than any force out there. So for valentine's day, love yourself and treat yourself and people close to you.
For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Kendra's submission!
I am proud to call this wonderful handsome strong man mine. We have been together for 6 years and still going strong. We're getting married next year in June and there would be no one better I would ask for to marry he Is my everything and he means the world to me i would not trade him for the world. Our love is much more then young love in fact we mean so much to each other and our love means so much to us. So I just wanted to take the time to show you this photo because we're very silly and love taking photos together. We're a very happy couple. Thank you for your time.
For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Kymberlee's submission!
I'm entering for me and my husband. The picture is of our family. We have 3 beautiful kids together and as usual we are going to softball field early. Both of our girls play travel softball so we are always on the road. We have been together for 15 years and married for 3 years. I truly couldn't do it without the support of my husband. I've had some health issues this last year and he has stepped up and handled it all and took care of me when I needed him most. He truly shows me the meaning of love, support and most of all trust! I have to say I am blessed he picked me as his wife. Thanks for letting me share
For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Trayton's submission!
I show my parents with love and thanks
During February, LOVE was in the air and we asked you to share what you look for in a relationship! Happy Valentine's Day!
This is what I look for in a relationship:
1. A great sense of humor
2. Good goals in life
3. Level headed - intelligent
4. Well put together
5. Kind hearted
6. Loves animals
7. Enjoys the outdoors
8. Social - good people skills
9. Loves to celebrate holidays
10. Enjoys planning outings
During February, LOVE was in the air and we asked you to share what you look for in a relationship! Happy Valentine's Day!
Fry bread
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 want someone that'll love me for me and see my inner beauty. Not just what's on the outside. That type of person is very rare.
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 that a couple must be able to struggle together before they can come up together. A relationship is built on a solid foundation. A foundation in which there is trust, loyalty, honesty, and innovation. You must be innovative to keep things new and keep from falling into a routine. I have been with my girlfriend for seven years and it has not always been easy. Trusting each other and keeping things exciting has been key. You also have to see what's in their heart rather then judging someone from looks. Respecting each other is important too. Always remain humble and never give up. Mvto!
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 relationship
In January, we asked you to pledge to make 2017 your best year yet and share how you plan to be #wellforculture in 2017!
I believe in unifying my community, helping my fellow youth reclaim our cultural identities, protect, and heal our sacred earth. Making a movement for us younger generations that will create enough momentum to create change. I believe humanity deserves clean water, I believe the creator is guiding us to free our minds from extinction. Mni Wiconi!
In January, we asked you to pledge to make 2017 your best year yet and share how you plan to be #wellforculture in 2017!
This New Year started off good. Satisfyingly GOOD. NEW Mindset, NEW Goals, NEW Achievements, NEW Desire for things we never had in the years previous. Strive to be BETTER people, become a BETTER person, a BETTER individual. We all have a desire to be something we're not to an extent, perhaps a change of appearance, attitude, choices made. The actions we took that define us this present day.
We look at ourselves and we decided as the years go by whether or not we want to TAKE THAT INITIATIVE to want to make that change for the improvement of ourselves. My entry for this contest, as always, my SHARE of words and a little more wisdom into the lives of others. How I plan to be #wellforculture, share my little bit of knowledge with endless amounts of people willing to take the time out of their lives to read a post like this. Perhaps provide a bit of ENCOURAGEMENT, and ENLIGHTENMENT to new ideas or a better understanding. It's not always about getting fit or getting in shape. Yes, physically is a good component, but there's a stronger and more meaningful understanding that some may not realize. Mentally, Emotionally, Physiologically, SPIRITUALLY-necessary components that all require a balance to maintain a POSITIVE HEALTHY lifestyle. There are times when you may go off course, but it's up to You and ONLY YOU to get back on track and move forward with good intentions. Humble yourself. Put others before yourself. Try something NEW. My entry for this contest, again, a little share of knowledge. And what I plan to to to be #wellforculture. Share, as I've shared these words. GET OTHERS INVOLVED, talk with others, help others, socialize, get involved with community, plan, become more physically active, get my BROTHERS and SISTERS involved. Develop that STRONG MINDSET to improve, Improve IMPROVE! Here's to a Good One 2017. Thank You
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!
Pį:wa ! (Greetings !) My name is Aalana I am a creative, fun and caring person a member of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe of NC & a Jingle Dress Dancer on the Powwow Trail. I am deeply devoted to my culture as well as sharing my culture with others and passing on our teachings to the future generations of our native youth !