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Grape dumplings are a traditional Chickasaw dish that is originally made from possum grapes but are now made with grape juice.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 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!
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Resilient
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
#Recognition
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Experiential
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 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.
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 or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Healing.
During December, we asked you to submit a photo or video that reflects your 2018 :)
Bittersweet
We asked you to submit a picture of what GIVING BACK means to you, and share how you're making a positive difference in your tribe or community. Make GIVING a part of who you are, and not just something you do.
Every year we set up our EagleTinyHouse for holiday cheer... We do the Father Christmas, with old world style! We try to teach the old ways, giving, not receiving is the greatest of gifts we get! We live and teach 7 Generations Thinking ✨ For our Children’s Children!
We asked you to submit a picture of what GIVING BACK means to you, and share how you're making a positive difference in your tribe or community. Make GIVING a part of who you are, and not just something you do.
The best way of giving back is to do good deeds expecting nothing in return nor admiration. Sometimes the best thing you can give is a smile. And a warm hug.
We asked you to submit a picture of what GIVING BACK means to you, and share how you're making a positive difference in your tribe or community. Make GIVING a part of who you are, and not just something you do.
Hi my name is Cheyenne, I like to give back. I raised money for cancer patients at Seattle Children's hospital because what it means to give back to me is to help people who need it the most. I chose to represent our community by raising money and helping out cancer patients as my family has a long line of cancer patients in it. I really enjoy helping, it makes me feel successful and awesome and the money I win with this contest I am going to donate to our community women's shelter because I believe that love comes in different ways and giving back to our community is what I will do. I am planning on buying a small Christmas dinner for the women at the shelter who don't have the money to do things thank you !
We asked you to submit a picture of what GIVING BACK means to you, and share how you're making a positive difference in your tribe or community. Make GIVING a part of who you are, and not just something you do.
We had a culture camp a couple years back and the kids absolutely loved when we introduced them to our traditional games. The photo is courtesy of Michael Meuers a local journalist/liason whom also works closely with our language department.
During Native American Heritage Month, we asked you to submit a selfie and share why we are stronger together.
This is Chemawa Indian School in our assembly when WeRNative were here. We come from Wisconsin, Wyoming Arizona, New Mexico, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Alaska, and Oklahoma.
During Native American Heritage Month, we asked you to submit a selfie and share why we are stronger together.
It is me working hard driveing a dump truck spending weeks months away from home to take care of my elder who is my mom it is tradition
During Native American Heritage Month, we asked you to submit a selfie and share why we are stronger together.
As we dance side by side enjoying the traditions our Creator has given us. We also share it with the next generation. #blessed #WMAT #togetherWeRStrong
During Native American Heritage Month, we asked you to submit a selfie and share why we are stronger together.
We are stronger because We R Native, our culture is so powerful, we are not alone, we can change the world,we change our community. We have what our ancestors fought for, I believe that we are stronger because We R Native.
During Native American Heritage Month, we asked you to submit a selfie and share why we are stronger together.
I honor my Native American and Indigenous Heritage not only in November but 365 days of the year! I volunteer and do community service through my High School. I represent myself as a proud Native American who is active in a variety of activities in my community where we are few, to show that we are still here and that we an important part of our society. Many people are still uneducated about our diverse cultures and identity and think we don't exist.
Proudly Representing Native Pride!!!!
We asked you to rethink the season of giving for December's contest and to share how you're giving to make a difference.
Giving my nephew the knowledge of the old ways. Took him on his first hunting trip and hes holding the horns of his first deer he helped skin
We asked you to rethink the season of giving for December's contest and to share how you're giving to make a difference.
This holiday season I decided to bring out my character "Native Claus" and initiate 'Operation Rezmas'. I wanted to do this grassroots style. What I do Is make stockings and sell them. Every stocking sold is able to get one gift. So this year I wanted to get gifts for the less fortunate children. I was in the same boat when I was younger, but I was raised to be grateful for what I got, even if it was just a pack of socks. I helped 49 kids last year and just recently passed that number and sit at 61 and counting. Not bad for a kid from the rez. My future goal is to have those kids do the same when they get older and help a child in need. To start their own chain reaction....
We asked you to rethink the season of giving for December's contest and to share how you're giving to make a difference.
I really want to win, because I really need to pay mom back please
We asked you to rethink the season of giving for December's contest and to share how you're giving to make a difference.
Make GIVING a part of who you are, and not just something you do.
This phrase says a lot. It puts you in a mindset of CARING for another individual to some extent. To think and put OTHERS BEFORE YOURSELF. To give something, doesn't always mean buying something luxurious or expensive with money. Like many people say, it's the thought that counts. The things you do for others that counts. I had entered this contest before, for the month of October and I really expressed the value of doing something as simple as saying a simple Hello to someone, see how much of an impact that has on a person. The simple act of GIVING a COMPLIMENT could make a difference in a persons day. The act of GIVING someone attention. A loved one, a family member, a friend, could make a difference. The act of Giving time to help one another in times of need. These are just a few ways that the term of Giving could be used. In this more contemporary society a good majority of people deem Giving as a term of buying extravagant things for someone to express love or thankfulness.
To return back to our roots and remember that we're all people of this world, we all have a place on this mother Earth. We're ALL special. We can all make a difference. Through the SIMPLEST THINGS. The simple things like taking time out of our lives, taking time from focusing just on ourselves, to help one another, give that attention to those who need it, SUPPORT one another. That, in my opinion is the BIGGEST form of GIVING.
My entry for this competion is my share of words once again, and also an acknowledgement to my choice to help my Maternal and Paternal Grandparents get wood and coal for this winter season. Show my little siblings how to chop and haul wood. Explain to them why we do what we do. Spend time with them and help them with whatever they need help with. This is my form of making a difference. EXPRESSING myself through words and taking actions that'll go a long way later on in life not only for my self but for the people around me that I hope to have made an impact on.
We asked you to rethink the season of giving for December's contest and to share how you're giving to make a difference.
I'm submitting this picture I designed originally for a small project in a class at the Native American Community Academy, the assignment was to draw something that would represent something that represents me. I used a special design of Earth that is the background, the next thing was an eagle, but I didn't want to draw an eagle that was overused so I thought of creating an eagle that was different and unique and contrasted with the background. I want to submit this piece because I believe it is original and symbolic for who I am.
We asked you to rethink the season of giving for December's contest and to share how you're giving to make a difference.
Not really good with words sometimes, but sitting bull is one of my great great grandfathers. His blood runs through my veins. Most people I meet think we don't exist.
We asked you to rethink the season of giving for December's contest and to share how you're giving to make a difference.
WHO YOU CALLIN PINHEAD ??!
We asked you to rethink the season of giving for December's contest and to share how you're giving to make a difference.
I'm a young man how is alone and needs to get my career going
During Native American Heritage Month, we asked you to show the world what it means to be Native using #weRnative
I am very proud to be a Native American and to show it everyday with pride and value our traditional ways.
Oglala Lakota / Huichol & Tohono Odham #Nativepride
#weRnative....Mvskoke Creek
Native sorority at the University of Oklahoma- Gamma Delta Pi!
"I am currently studying abroad at Trinity College _ Dublin, Ireland, and I visited London, England for a weekend. Being abroad, I have become very aware of my existence as a Native American/Indigenous person on an international level and it is alarmingly isolating. Coming from a predominantly Navajo (Din_) community and living on the Navajo Nation, I am use to being surrounded by individuals who look like me and understand where I am coming from. Often times, I forget how much my ancestors have willingly sacrifice for my survival, my resistance, and my existence. I forget how very narrow the choices they had in life, and the choices they made were not for themselves. The choices they made were for me, and the generations after me. I owe my agency to being able to study abroad and attend institutions outside the United States to the choices and sacrifice of my ancestors, my grandparents, and my mother. If it was not for their support and their sacrifice, I would not be where I am today. I owe my existence to their resilience. We, as a community, have come a long way since the mass genocide and forced assimilation of our ancestors, yet at the same time we retain a legacy of trauma. At the same, we inherited a legacy of resistance and resilience. Being Native American/Indigenous means navigating this world, while being aware of the constant violence against us, yet possessing the ability to overcome them."
"Being Nez Perce is showing the country we as youth can be leaders no matter what age. We dont need alocohol, drugs, but knowledge of self, not take our history for granted. Learning and continuing our language n ways of life our ancestors gave us, we cannof droo the ball. Too many lives were given for us to keep thriving. Lets show our pride n be proud we are aluve n thriving as future leaders, we are indigenous, we R Native."
"Hello, this is me and my teacher ms. Beth sigman. She is our current avid teacher at chemawa indian school. She is also a biology teacher. What makes her great is the way she treats her students. She is always open to students about anything. She is An outstanding person. She is kind,caring,funny,smart, and loving person! If you ask for her help, All her attention is for you in whatever you need. She is such a great help to me. She tells her students that she loves them everyday. Literally!! She is just a great spirit and has such a positive outlook on things."
-Danneca (Acoma, age 16)
"This teacher is the best because he tells everyone to suceed and want to get to know you. he loves it when you are trying in class"
-Cheyenne (Swinomish, age 14)
"Niky is the counselor at Chemawa and we took a selfie with her out on the challenge course."
-Chemawa Indian School
"I picked my teacher Mrs. Morris because she has helped me academically and personally. School has been a really big challenge that I've had to face everyday. However, with her help and mentoring I am a much more confident student in school and have almost become a straight A student striving for the next step to college. When I first came to live with my dad I was contemplating dropping out as I struggled just to maintain a 1.0 GPA. Now I am a senior, drug and alcohol free, embracing my culture, being a good role model for my siblings and peers and a good student looking forward to a bright future! Thank you for your time! Qeciyewyew"
-Chanel (Nez Perce, age 17)
#1chemawa #wernative
Did you join the 30 Day #WeRNative Photo Challenge? We asked you to post your picture and tag your friends!! These are just a few of the many pics that helped to show the world what it means to be Native.
Did you know, less than 1% of the US population is Native? In observation of Native American Heritage Month, let's show the world what it means to be Native.🐾👣💪 #WeRNative #repostifnative #showpride #nativepride #EasternPomo #pomonatives
Did you join the 30 Day #WeRNative Photo Challenge? We asked you to post your picture and tag your friends!! These are just a few of the many pics that helped to show the world what it means to be Native.
#WeRNative 30 day photo challenge for #native American heritage month. The #culturalmentorshipprogram youth with one of their favorite non-cultural past times- #basketball.
Jonathan drives like he cares and always buckles up. Check out his twitter entry
Check out how Mariah (Blackfeet) and 6ikar ride safe.
Serena (Shoal Water Bay) always buckles up in her 1972 Chevy C 10. Check out how she keeps her parents safe.
Yes!!! Instagram user allstarprincess503 and her teacher are very happy to be back at school
The picture is not a selfie, but a picture with my favorite teacher, Theresa Smith. She taught me how to bead so I wanted a picture of us beading. I was happy to go to school and know that I can see myself in my teachers. I am proud of my culture and she has helped me be more secure in that through art.
Jacob and power tools go together like teachers and selfies.
I show my native pride by dancing and drumming at powwows. I love to dance and sing, I dance jingle and fancy, I drum at powwows it makes me feel happy when I dance and sing. That's how I love to show my native pride.
I show my Native pride by keeping tradition, wherever I go and most importantly remembering where I come from. A strong Ojibwe woman who I call my best friend and my mother raised me. She is the most kindhearted person I know and I would love to follow in her footsteps.
This is an image from the Idle No More protest that was held in Portland, Oregon, last December. Idle No More has become such an important movement in Indian Country, whether your community is experiencing unrest, or you are in solidarity with our brothers and sisters. I believe that Idle No More is also so significant as a generational experience; our generation of youth in Indian Country today has been arguably the base of Idle No More. 500 years of silence has been broken by the heartbeat of the drum now more than ever by our generation, and we show no sign of stopping. Unrest and injustice to Indigenous communities will not stand.
What i do is when someone gets bullied, even if i don't like them, i stand up for them. I have been bullied before, and i know that it feels absolutely horrid. I wish that there were no bullies, but that isn't possible, because some people go through really tough times at home, and need to feel in control; whether its at school, the park, or even in your own backyard, bullying is not okay. I would stand up for what i believe. Just because a boy has insecurities doesn't mean that he should take it out on the skinny girl that never eats. there are reasons. Maybe the pregnant 15 year old across the street was raped. it doesn't mean she is a slut. or the overweight kid in your math class. he could have problems with his sister and turns to food. Bullying is not cool.
When i witness bullying there is three step procedure i follow whenever or wherever bullyin takes place. 1) try & stop the situation, tell bully to stop. 2) try & calm the victim down and offer them any types of help. 3) get appropriate help from a adult family member or a teacher. I hate bullying because it can affect people in many different ways, physically & mentally because they are hurt be the words the victim soon starts believing the words that aren't true!
When times get tough, your mind races from each situation and one main question comes to mind: "What am I going to do?" When times get tough, I turn to my loved ones. Some people have a very hard time asking for help, and have this tough, fearless facade. That is me. When the weight of the world becomes too heavy for your shoulders, share the weight. Talking to someone who will listen will lift so much stress. Sometimes another perspective can help you decide what you should do next. While you are trying to think outside your beat up box, a good friend can bring in a new box, new ideas on how to handle your situation. There is always someone who cares. When times get tough, loved ones and close friends can save the day.
My summer activity would have to be basketball. To keep myself busy and out of trouble I play day and night all through summer goin to the parks where all the older men go so I can improve my skills and start to help others my age improve. I brought basketball as part of my lifestyle to build patience, communication, self-esteem, character anda bright personality.I always try to gather big groups of kids to play everyday just to get them out of the house or to just keep them busy an out of trouble.
On Saturday July 6,2013 i was gardening with my mom for 3 hours which is 180 minutes. Then on Monday July 15, 2013 i played 2 hours of basketball which is 120 minutes. Then on Wednesday july 17, 2013 i played another 2 hours of basketball all of these events are at a place in Denver CO called (Denver Indian Center) and i do this every week.