Here is a picture I found on facebook of all of us at the drum retreat. My daughter, Little Bear, is the one in pink in the front row, cute!!
We have to go back and learn what we ate, learn that we gathered food and ate wild game and there was no sickness. It’s going to be hard because our families are used to fast food, but we can adjust back to traditional food.
what was the drum retreat like? did you only drum like at a pow wow or did you do more than that? i live in california and i never heard of it
Asked by Anonymous
Each drum retreat is a little bit different I have been going to the drum retreat directed by April GoForth since I was in high school and back then there were classes or lectures about health related issues like sex education or diabetes. But this last drum retreat we heard a few people speak about the drum, the life of the drum, and how to be respectful of it. There were two Lakota women who gave us their time and gave speeches. We also had a craft class where we made a pine nut necklace. Other than that we would drum in a round. The most important part about the drum retreat, in my opinion, is to connect with our fellow ladies. To be inspired by the strength of the people there with you and to honor them, and yourself. It is a time of healing. If you are interested in going I could give you April’s contact information but you will have to private message me for that.
Preparing for the Women’s Drum Retreat in Loomis CA (near Roseville) June 28-29th
Cannot wait for this time of healing. Is anyone on tumblr going?
Just finished with our second biggest event of the year, here at the American Indian Education Program; the event was teaching California Native crafts, storytelling, and history (on a very small and short scale!). Over 800 children from local schools showed up. The station I was teaching had over 150 students and, remarkably enough, nearly everyone finished their craft. I am so happy with how this event went, from what I could tell, most kids enjoyed it. So proud of all the native parents and grandparents who took time out of their schedules to teach.
( please excuse the poor photography; I do not have a very good camera )
This is a blurry photo of Joy Sundberg as she was honored this year (2014) at the 37th Annual California Conference on American Indian Education during the Elder’s Banquet. Joy is a Yurok woman who is known for having worked with Humboldt State University, Tom Parsons, and Frank Douglas, on teaching the Yurok language in schools by creating the first written index of the Yurok language.
“I have found my purpose- to preserve our heritage and promote our people through local culture.”
Part 1: I was wondering if you could please help me answer a question. I'll preface by saying, I understand you are not of Mohawk ancestry, but you have lots of fabulous native followers who may be able to help me. I live in a predominantly white & abundantly privileged area, where most of the kids play lacrosse. First of all, is playing lacrosse cultural appropriation? It is one of our national sports, but does that matter? Question 2, (in next ask)
Asked by Anonymous
Part 2 about lacrosse is: during playoffs a lot of the boys tend to shave their hair into Mohawks. I have the opinion that it is appropriation & offensive. I compared it wearing blackface, to my friends. they even play against teams from the local reservation, so it seemed more rude. The parent’s argument is, “the kids from the reservation do it, and they aren’t Mohawk” or “it’s a tribute to the founders of the game”. Can I please get some native opinion on the matter! Thanks!
It is not really my place to answer this; but without further information I would say that playing a sport wouldn’t be cultural appropriation, but that wearing one’s hair in a way in attempt to dress up/become another culture and/or race would be. Can y’all help us out on this one?
Chief Sisk Opens “Dont Frack California” Rally
Much respect and appreciation to all the tribal people, and others, who showed up at the “Don’t Frack California!” Rally last Saturday, to make a strong statement for Water and the future generations!
On Saturday I will be leaving for the California Conference on American Indian Education; I will be gone til Wednesday.
Leaving for the California Conference on American Indian Education on Saturday. So tomorrow I’ll be busy packing everything up and getting ready. I hope I can bring back helpful information. Is anyone else going?
just got home from a counsel meeting at NDN ED. And guess what? Little Bear and I (and a couple other girls) were sponsored to go to the Native Women’s Drum Summit.
so excited! I have always had a great time when I have gone; and I am so excited to have Little Bear carry on the traditions.
I have to go to a funeral/memorial tomorrow. Two Bulls passed away. His father, my Uncle Lucky, came by to see me and wouldn’t really say much even though we have always been able to share our personally feelings with each other. But there is nothing to say and everything to feel.
