Age: 15
Occupation: Student
Enrolled Yakama Tribal Member
I feel that since I am
Native I have more pressure on me than others do. I try and live my life like
any normal teenager, but I have teaching to remember that I must live by
everyday. These teaching are from my Elders they don’t come from books or a
classroom. I feel like I am living in two worlds sometimes. I don’t want to
behave like non-natives because the Elders expect me to carry on these
traditions, so I have to keep myself in balance everyday.
My family and I
participate in the Toppenish Creek Longhouse. We are in line with the gathers,
which means we go and dig roots as well as collect berries. The elders have
taught me our language, as well as what types of plants can be used for
everyday thing, such as the rosebush for protection.
I plan on passing all my
traditions I have been taught down to my children. Passing on our traditions is
what makes us strong as a Tribe. Some of the unwritten laws we live by remind
me everyday I am a stronger person, and they were taught to me for a reason to
be carried on for generations to come.
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