Native Americans represent just one per cent of the US population
and some languages have only one speaker left. Now a new generation
is fighting to preserve the culture.
Meet the women leading that fight:
Evereta Thinn
Age: 30
Tribe Affiliation: Diné (Navajo)
Occupation: Administrator at a Shonto School District
When Evereta entered college as the only Native American in
her English 101 class, it was at that moment she realized that she
needed to speak up and not be that stereotypical 'shy' Indian that
keeps to herself. She started bywriting an essay in that very class
about living in 'two worlds'; living in the traditional world and
living in the modern world and how Native Americans need to find
that balance in todays society. 'Knowing who you are as a
Native, know the teachings from your elders and engraining them
as you go out into the modern world is how you maintain that balance'.
She further explains that 'once the language fades, the culture
will slowly start to go too. If the younger generations cannot speak
the language, how will they be equipped to make decisions on policies
and protect our tribes in the future?' She aspires to start a language
and cultural immersion school for the Diné (Navajo) people.
Alayna Eagle Shield (left) and Tonia Jo Hall (right)
Age: 24
Tribe Affiliation: Lakota & Arikara
Occupation: Teacher in the Lakota Language Nest Head Start program/Medical
student
Alayna currently holds a seat in the National Native Youth Cabinet
under the National Congress of American Indians (CNAI). Three key
issues that she addresses on behalf of the Native youth population
are the importance of language and culture, bullying, and lack of
education. Her passion to keep the language alive stems from her
father being one of the few fluent Lakota speakers. He chose not
to speak it to her as a child, but as she grew older, she understood
the importance of keeping the language alive. 'Speaking your language
is a guide to knowing who you are as a Native', says Alayna.
Shawn Little Thunder
Age: 26
Tribe Affiliation: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
Occupation: Poet / Singer / Songwriter
Growing up, Shawn was severely shy and timid. It wasnt
until after graduating high school that she was urged by a musician
friend to be featured in one of his songs. This was a freeing moment
for her and a new outlet to express herself. She began to write
poetry and join local talent shows. While holding a work position
at a teen group home, Shawn encouraged the teens to keep a journal
and write how they felt. Most of what the teens wrote was poetry
and songs so Shawn began a poetry workshop that led to an open mic
at the group home. She decided to expand her efforts and encourage
others to speak freely at local events and pow wows. Rez Poetry:
'Wichóiye Waaka' (Strong Words) was the name she coined
for her events. 'Thats what I want to do, empower other Natives,
especially the younger generations'.
Sage Honga
Age: 22
Tribe Affiliation: Hualapai, Hopi & Diné (Navajo)
Occupation: Server at W Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona
Sage earned the title of 1st attendant in the 2012 annual pageant,
Miss Native American USA. From that point forward, she has been
encouraging Native youth to travel off the reservation to explore
opportunities. In Native American culture, knowledge is power and
the youth are encouraged to leave the reservations, get an education
and then come home to give back to your people. 'My tribe, the Hualapai
people, is so small that I want to be a role model to show my community
and youth that it is possible to come off our land and do big things'.
Juliana Brown Eyes-Clifford
Age: 23
Tribe Affiliation: Oglala Lakota & Samoan
Occupation: Musician, photographer, film maker, artist
Juliana and her husband, Scotti Clifford, have formed the band,
'Scatter Their Own' (which is the English translation for the word
Oglala). They travel to various Indian reservations and other parts
of the country to play their music. They are self-taught, cannot
read music and play what comes out naturally from their hearts.
Juliana is inspired to play for the youth and inspire them to branch
out and learn about the arts and music which are topics not generally
exposed on the reservation. The songs they write are about Mother
Earth, social justice and about the Native American culture.
Kelli Brooke Haney
Age: 33
Tribe Affiliation: Seminole, Creek and Choctaw
Occupation: Musician / Artist
As the daughter the internationally recognized Native American
artist and former Chief of the Seminole Nation, Enoch Kelly Haney,
its no shock that artistic and bold talent radiate from the
ever-inspiring Kelli Brooke. In the early 2000s she formed a rockabilly
band with her best friend called The Oh Johnny! Girls and also has
a solo music project called Hudson Roar. Kelli grew up in a household
where her parents spoke Seminole Creek as the first language. She
is also the mother to a sweet five-year old boy, Jack, and expresses
the importance of raising him with Native American traditions as
well as encouraging him to embrace his own artistic talents.
Juanita C. Toledo
Age: 28
Tribe Affiliation: Walatowa-Pueblo of Jemez
Occupation: Works for the Community Wellness Program on Jemez Pueblo
Reservation
Growing up, Juanita was valedictorian of her charter school,
President of the Native American Youth Empowerment (NAYE) group,
and on the executive committee of UNITY (United National Indian
Tribal Youth Organization). During college things changed dramatically
for Juanita. She felt the pressure of life and quickly fell into
depression, anxiety and succumbed to drugs and alcohol after dealing
with a very traumatizing family event. 'It was the worst time of
my life; I really thought I was going to die and I wanted to die'.
In 2012, she had a turning point. 'I started to believe in my dreams
and in myself again.' She ran for Miss Indian World, one of the
most prestigious honours a Native American woman could receive.
Although she didnt take the title, her tribal community was
extremely proud of her representation. Today, she works for the
Community Wellness program on her reservation and has truly influenced
positive changes in the program and in her community.
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