My Impact

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

During Sexual Assault Awareness month in April, we asked you to share why it’s important to take action against sexual violence. Check out Sophie's entry :)

Sexual Assault can happen to anyone; all genders can get sexually assaulted. Some people stick up for themselves but for some people it's hard to say anything. Some people get scared, but make sure to encourage them to say something. If you see sexual assault happen SAY SOMETHING or even tell someone and make sure to talk to that person and comfort them cause maybe in the future they will thank you.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

During Sexual Assault Awareness month in April, we asked you to share why it’s important to take action against sexual violence. Check out Cheyenne's entry :)

I think taking action is important because if we continue to let this happen, the next generation is going to think that this is okay and its NOT! We need to take action because hands were meant for helping not hurting. The creator would not want us to allow this to go on. The creator is probably trying to make people open their eyes. I think taking action is important cause the women and men that are victims of domestic violence are still out there and they need help and we are able to provide help by building a women's and men's shelter for those who have been a victim. I believe taking action is important cause our generation needs to completely stop hurting each other. We were put here for a reason and we all need to fufill that reason and continue to move and create a great generation. We are the generation that is going to make some changes and the changes start with not anyone else, but yourself. I am committed to making sure domestic violence is going to be a no no for everyone. Love each other and love your community enough to not hurt it, but to help it by stopping domestic violence.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

During Sexual Assault Awareness month in April, we asked you to share why it’s important to take action against sexual violence. Check out Cheyenne's entry :)

Hello my name is Cheyenne and I feel strongly that we as women have the right to speak up and not be degraded for our opinions. I feel as though we as women shouldn't be getting hit and punished by our partners. I feel as though degrading us as women and men we will continue to do the right thing by telling someone about it. I know about the dot on a woman's hand is just as important as saying something cause if you see someone with a dot on the palm of their hand that means that they are a victim of domestic violence and that person is screaming internally for help. If we are being completely honest my biological mom is a victim of domestic violence and she was crying out for help. Domestic violence is not a game people and it certainly is not funny. I enter these contests monthly and this month I want to say is the month that I have to speak strongly about. I want to let all the ladies out there know, you are never alone, you can go to support groups for this and if you are still a victim of it you can always talk to me. For those who don't know, domestic violence is a nasty matter and those who go through it are victims; they are never asking to get hit or punished for expressing their opinions. These women are beautiful and hands were meant for helping not hurting and if you are someone that does want to contact me to talk about your situation, you can always email me at [email protected] I'm always here for you and if you can't say anything just email me a picture of a black dot on your hand and i will make sure that I do something. I love everyone so keep your head up ladies and for those men who are being victims I understand that and everything will be okay just email me and I will help you figure something out. I am always here for everybody and I will always be here to talk to. I may be young, but I am working on being a public speaker for schools across the US. I am going to spread awareness so don't think I'm just starting here; this is just the beginning of a long journey.

Hunt. Fish. Gather. Grow.

During March, we asked you to share what traditional foods you're eating during national nutrition month.

Hello everyone my name is Rae I am seventeen. I'm from the Upper Skagit tribe, my favorite thing to eat is fish .... fish is the most wonderful food from the sea gifted to us by the creator Hy sque'

Hunt. Fish. Gather. Grow.

During March, we asked you to share what traditional foods you're eating during national nutrition month.

We mad a traditional Navajo stew for my great grandpa. He came to visit and we made this for dinner along with along with frybread.

Hunt. Fish. Gather. Grow.

During March, we asked you to share what traditional foods you're eating during national nutrition month.

Hi everyone, my name is Cheyenne Weatherby I am a sixteen year old girl from the Swinomish tribe. I believe that water is life. I drink a gallon of water every day and eat salmon and thank my ancestors for my meal. In the summer I go Berry gathering which I gotta say is a lot of fun. The time spent at the table with my family makes me the most happy girl in the world. My birthday is this month and all I want is to spend it by the water and eat traditional foods with my canoe family. My canoe family is the one who brought me to the conclusion that water is everything. We are made of water or traditional foods come from the sea. The food that I eat traditionally has been with my canoe family and friends. However I had to figure this tradition out on my own. Now I eat the foods of the coast Salish people as I am one of them and I am proud to be.,,, the fact of the matter is. That when you put something that feeds your body and relaxes you at the same time, you are feeding your spirit. You are feeding a beautiful body. You are feeding your life into the future. I look at our generation today and see the future of our people learning the lashoot seed language and sharing it to the generation after us. I believe that one day our fisherman will bring salmon for our Traditional first salmon dinner that the entire community goes to. I believe that the clam diggers and fishermen will bring back our sacred foods and lay them on the table and send them to the ancestor.
As a matter of fact I hope I get to be the one who sets the table for our ancestors to come eat with us.. I will continue to walk like I have. 300,000 ancestors walking behind me for I know that they are watching us, we are never alone. They watch what we eat.. They don't want us eating junk food like hot Cheetos. They want us healthy and eating corn and fish and squash. They want us to be able to live a long healthy life and to pass down the traditional foods to our children and their children. They wouldn't want us to be lazy and play video games that's what outside is for... Remember the ancestors are always watching. Walk like you have 300,000 ancestors walking behind you. Thank you!!

Hunt. Fish. Gather. Grow.

During March, we asked you to share what traditional foods you're eating during national nutrition month.

Harvested Blackberries & Mulberries from local trees for jams and preserves

Hunt. Fish. Gather. Grow.

During March, we asked you to share what traditional foods you're eating during national nutrition month.

These are pacific lamprey, known locally as eels. They are a staple food during the time of late winter into the early spring when there are no salmon in the river yet. Lamprey have more healthy calories and omegas pound for pound than salmon, which is necessary after the long hard winters here on the north coast of California. We gather these by hooking them at the mouth of the Klamath River as they return to the river from the ocean. The eels are washed up on and near the shore by the waves allowing us to harvest. Further up the river you can set basket traps on high areas of the river to harvest the eels as they travel up the river.

Hunt. Fish. Gather. Grow.

During March, we asked you to share what traditional foods you're eating during national nutrition month

My name is Glorianna Jaramillo and I am from Isleta Pueblo. In my submission, I am promoting eating healthy, fresh grown food. My family grows our own vegetables during the summer, through this my family comes together to help plant our food strengthening our family..In my community we try and promote healthy eating through many ways, by farming, fun/run walks, and through cooking classes provided by some of our programs in our Pueblo. As Pueblo people we believe that eating from the earth, we are taking in the earth into our bodies to help nourish and help us grow as a community. We respect our Mother Earth by treating her as a flower, we put only healthy things into our earth so that she may grow and continue to provide for us. Many of the food we grow has an important role in our traditional values and culture. Throughout the year we strive our best to help keep our culture alive and healthy, we cherish every food that we are provided with.

The Season of Giving

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!

The Season of Giving

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.

The Season of Giving

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 !

The Season of Giving

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.

We Are Stronger Together

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.

We Are Stronger Together

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

We Are Stronger Together

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

We Are Stronger Together

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.

We Are Stronger Together

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!!!!

The Season of Giving

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

The Season of Giving

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....

The Season of Giving

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

The Season of Giving

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.

The Season of Giving

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.

The Season of Giving

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.

The Season of Giving

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 ??!

The Season of Giving

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

Native American Heritage Month

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.

#weRnative Photo Challenge

Oglala Lakota / Huichol & Tohono Odham #Nativepride

#weRnative Photo Challenge

#weRnative....Mvskoke Creek

#weRnative Photo Challenge

Native sorority at the University of Oklahoma- Gamma Delta Pi!

#weRnative Photo Challenge

"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."

#weRnative Photo Challenge

"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."

Teacher Selfie

"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)

Teacher Selfie

"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)

Teacher Selfie

"Niky is the counselor at Chemawa and we took a selfie with her out on the challenge course."

-Chemawa Indian School

Teacher Selfie

"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)

Native American Heritage Month

#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.

Native American Heritage Month

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.

Native American Heritage Month

#WeRNative 30 day photo challenge for #native American heritage month. The #culturalmentorshipprogram youth with one of their favorite non-cultural past times- #basketball.

Rez Ride - Teen Driver Safety Month

Jonathan drives like he cares and always buckles up. Check out his twitter entry

Rez Ride - Teen Driver Safety Month

Check out how Mariah (Blackfeet) and 6ikar ride safe.

Rez Ride - Teen Driver Safety Month

Serena (Shoal Water Bay) always buckles up in her 1972 Chevy C 10. Check out how she keeps her parents safe.

Back to School Selfie

Yes!!! Instagram user allstarprincess503 and her teacher are very happy to be back at school

Back to School Selfie

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.

Back to School Selfie

Jacob and power tools go together like teachers and selfies.

Native Pride

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.

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.

Native Pride

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.

Bullying

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.

Bullying

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

When Times Get Tough

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.

Summer Fun

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.

We R Native - 500 Minutes of Activity

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.