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Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Afton's submission!

I show my partner love by supporting his ambitions and commitment to our community. He is a traditional dancer and works with other youth, as do I and as a couple we share our experiences as young native people. He supports my school endeavors and I support his dancing and youth groups. As a couple we have open communication and honesty to voice what we need or express our love for each other. He’s my Ojibwe and I’m his Lakota and together our life has been healthier and happier.

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 Amethyst's entry :)

I hung up flyers around my school giving bits of information for everyone to understand the frequency of sexual assault and the seriousness. I also collected a few students to speak up and help spread awareness. The paper crumpled up and then smooth back out is a metaphor for a victim and the damage it causes on their mind.

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Brenon's submission!

Well native challenge taught me so much. And in native its your game taught me how to love and cherish my partner and how to respect her decision and how to be listen to her feelongs cause the mean allot to her and i just want to be a good boyfriend who always supports her. But I am not in a relationship and i will not get into any sexual contact intercourse with a girl till i am of age and know how to be safe.

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Brenon's submission!

Native challenge taught me so much about having sex and how to respect my partners choices. I know how to say no to drugs, & sex. I made a rule about having sex and to wait till i am ready and of age. I also want to win but if not im glad i tried.

#4Mind4Body

Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!

Hi, my name is Cheyenne Weatherby. I am a princess, I represent my community everywhere I go. I am Swinomish, but I live On the Lummi Nation Reservation. I smudge almost once a week, it makes me feel like I am renewed and fresh. I am working on becoming a motivational speaker. So i can share my story with the world and let teens my age know that they are not alone. What I have to present with all my love is being a blackhawk singer. I sing and dance and we do this on a weekly basis. Every Monday there is a pow wow. We share the culture with the kids and teens of Lummi Nation school. I will smudge with my blawkhawk family because that's what we are. We are a big family. My family has taken great care of me. They have brought me into a light that I had no idea it even existed. I allow this to heal my wounds of the heart ,soul and mind. I am native and I am powerful I am bright and so is my future. I may be only 17 years old right now, but i have the body to fulfill my dreams, passions and aspirations. I have taken being a blackhawk singer as being a model for the next generation that comes up behind me. This helps to clear my mind and soul and most of all my spirit. With the help of the Lummi Nation, dancing and singing has not only broken me out of a shy shell, it has given me confidence and strength

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.

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.

Hunt. Fish. Gather. Grow.

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

Hello my name is Cheyenne Weatherby, I am 16 years old and in my submission I am looking forward to the future. The future of the health of our generation I feel as if we should be eating fish, berries, and treating our land as though it is feeding us, which it is. Treat the waters as if the fish were sacred, which they are as well. I believe the fisherman and the berry pickers and the clam diggers and the life of all the animals like the deer we eat and the fish we catch, have great meaning. As we continue to move into the future the love of our fish will continue to feed us if we continue to believe it is sacred. I will say I have eaten a bunch of non-nutritious foods. But now as a matter of fact I will begin to eat fish and berries and begin to thank the creator for the food he puts on my plate. I will thank the creator for making the deer and the fish and the berries because the creator made those for us to live and be healthy. I will eat the corn grown organically and the berries from the wild. I will begin to appreciate all the food put on this earth by the creator. I will use my talent of berry picking to good use and continue to make my life healthier. The healthier I make my life the more likely the creator will give the gift of time. I am Lhaq'temish, The Lummi People. We are the original inhabitants of Washington's northernmost coast and southern British Columbia. For thousands of years, we worked, struggled and celebrated life on the shores and waters of Puget Sound. I will make the most of my land and of my time here on earth given to me by the creator.

#4Mind4Body

Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!

These are ways i keep my mental heath in shape I did this for a school project and got an A so i hope i win

1. Track gratitude and achievement with a journal. Include 3 things you were grateful for and 3 things you were able to accomplish each day.
2. Start your day with a cup of co¬ffee. Coff¬ee consumption is linked to lower rates of depression. If you can’t drink coff¬ee because of the caff¬eine, try another good-for-you drink like green tea.
3. Set up a getaway. It could be camping with friends or a trip to the tropics. The act of planning a vacation and having something to look forward to can boost your overall happiness for up to 8 weeks!
4. Work your strengths. Do something you're good at to build self-confidence, then tackle a tougher task.
5. Keep it cool for a good night's sleep. The optimal temperature for sleep is between 60˚ and 67˚ Fahrenheit.
6. "You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." -Martin Luther King Jr.
Think of something in your life you want to improve, and figure out what you can do to take a step in the right direction.
7. Experiment with a new recipe, write a poem, paint or try a Pinterest project. Creative expression and overall well-being are linked.
8. Show some love to someone in your life. Close, quality relationships are key for a happy, healthy life.
9. Boost brainpower by treating yourself to a couple pieces of dark chocolate every few days. The flavanoids, caffeine, and theobromine in chocolate are thought to work together to improve alertness and mental skills.
10. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.” -Maya Angelou
11. Sometimes, we don't need to add new activities to get more pleasure. We just need to soak up the joy in the ones we've already got. Trying to be optimistic doesn't mean ignoring the uglier sides of life. It just means focusing on the positive as much as possible.
12. Feeling anxious? Take a trip down memory lane and do some coloring for about 20 minutes to help you clear your mind. Pick a design that's geometric and a little complicated for the best effect.

13. Take time to laugh. Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy or check out cute videos online. Laughter helps reduce anxiety.
14. Go off the grid. Leave your smart phone at home for a day and disconnect from constant emails, alerts, and other interruptions. Spend time doing something fun with someone face-to-face.
15. Dance around while you do your housework. Not only will you get chores done, but dancing reduces levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), and increases endorphins (the body's "feel-good" chemicals).
16. Go ahead and yawn. Studies suggest that yawning helps cool the brain and improves alertness and mental efficiency.
17. Relax in a warm bath once a week. Try adding Epsom salts to soothe aches and pains and help boost magnesium levels, which can be depleted by stress.
18. Has something been bothering you? Let it all out…on paper. Writing about upsetting experiences can reduce symptoms of depression.
19. Spend some time with a furry friend. Time with animals lowers the stress hormone - cortisol, and boosts oxytocin - which stimulates feelings of happiness. If you don’t have a pet, hang out with a friend who does or volunteer at a shelter.
20. “What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when you bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen.”
- Henry David Thoreau
Practice mindfulness by staying "in the present." Try these tips.
21. Be a tourist in your own town. Often

share:

Think of something in your life you want to improve, and figure out what you can do to take a step in the right direction.
7. Experiment with a new recipe, write a poem, paint or try a Pinterest project. Creative expression and overall well-being are linked.
8. Show some love to someone in your life. Close, quality relationships are key for a happy, healthy life.
9. Boost brainpower by treating yourself to a couple pieces of dark chocolate every few days. The flavanoids, caffeine, and theobromine in chocolate are thought to work together to improve alertness and mental skills.
10. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.” -Maya Angelou
11. Sometimes, we don't need to add new activities to get more pleasure. We just need to soak up the joy in the ones we've already got. Trying to be optimistic doesn't mean ignoring the uglier sides of life. It just means focusing on the positive as much as possible.
12. Feeling anxious? Take a trip down memory lane and do some coloring for about 20 minutes to help you clear your mind. Pick a design that's geometric and a little complicated for the best effect.

13. Take time to laugh. Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy or check out cute videos online. Laughter helps reduce anxiety.
14. Go off the grid. Leave your smart phone at home for a day and disconnect from constant emails, alerts, and other interruptions. Spend time doing something fun with someone face-to-face.
15. Dance around while you do your housework. Not only will you get chores done, but dancing reduces levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), and increases endorphins (the body's "feel-good" chemicals).
16. Go ahead and yawn. Studies suggest that yawning helps cool the brain and improves alertness and mental efficiency.
17. Relax in a warm bath once a week. Try adding Epsom salts to soothe aches and pains and help boost magnesium levels, which can be depleted by stress.
18. Has something been bothering you? Let it all out…on paper. Writing about upsetting experiences can reduce symptoms of depression.
19. Spend some time with a furry friend. Time with animals lowers the stress hormone - cortisol, and boosts oxytocin - which stimulates feelings of happiness. If you don’t have a pet, hang out with a friend who does or volunteer at a shelter.
20. “What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when you bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen.”
- Henry David Thoreau
Practice mindfulness by staying "in the present." Try these tips.
21. Be a tourist in your own town. Often">
Think of something in your life you want to improve, and figure out what you can do to take a step in the right direction.
7. Experiment with a new recipe, write a poem, paint or try a Pinterest project. Creative expression and overall well-being are linked.
8. Show some love to someone in your life. Close, quality relationships are key for a happy, healthy life.
9. Boost brainpower by treating yourself to a couple pieces of dark chocolate every few days. The flavanoids, caffeine, and theobromine in chocolate are thought to work together to improve alertness and mental skills.
10. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.” -Maya Angelou
11. Sometimes, we don't need to add new activities to get more pleasure. We just need to soak up the joy in the ones we've already got. Trying to be optimistic doesn't mean ignoring the uglier sides of life. It just means focusing on the positive as much as possible.
12. Feeling anxious? Take a trip down memory lane and do some coloring for about 20 minutes to help you clear your mind. Pick a design that's geometric and a little complicated for the best effect.

13. Take time to laugh. Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy or check out cute videos online. Laughter helps reduce anxiety.
14. Go off the grid. Leave your smart phone at home for a day and disconnect from constant emails, alerts, and other interruptions. Spend time doing something fun with someone face-to-face.
15. Dance around while you do your housework. Not only will you get chores done, but dancing reduces levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), and increases endorphins (the body's "feel-good" chemicals).
16. Go ahead and yawn. Studies suggest that yawning helps cool the brain and improves alertness and mental efficiency.
17. Relax in a warm bath once a week. Try adding Epsom salts to soothe aches and pains and help boost magnesium levels, which can be depleted by stress.
18. Has something been bothering you? Let it all out…on paper. Writing about upsetting experiences can reduce symptoms of depression.
19. Spend some time with a furry friend. Time with animals lowers the stress hormone - cortisol, and boosts oxytocin - which stimulates feelings of happiness. If you don’t have a pet, hang out with a friend who does or volunteer at a shelter.
20. “What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when you bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen.”
- Henry David Thoreau
Practice mindfulness by staying "in the present." Try these tips.
21. Be a tourist in your own town. Often">
Think of something in your life you want to improve, and figure out what you can do to take a step in the right direction.
7. Experiment with a new recipe, write a poem, paint or try a Pinterest project. Creative expression and overall well-being are linked.
8. Show some love to someone in your life. Close, quality relationships are key for a happy, healthy life.
9. Boost brainpower by treating yourself to a couple pieces of dark chocolate every few days. The flavanoids, caffeine, and theobromine in chocolate are thought to work together to improve alertness and mental skills.
10. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.” -Maya Angelou
11. Sometimes, we don't need to add new activities to get more pleasure. We just need to soak up the joy in the ones we've already got. Trying to be optimistic doesn't mean ignoring the uglier sides of life. It just means focusing on the positive as much as possible.
12. Feeling anxious? Take a trip down memory lane and do some coloring for about 20 minutes to help you clear your mind. Pick a design that's geometric and a little complicated for the best effect.

13. Take time to laugh. Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy or check out cute videos online. Laughter helps reduce anxiety.
14. Go off the grid. Leave your smart phone at home for a day and disconnect from constant emails, alerts, and other interruptions. Spend time doing something fun with someone face-to-face.
15. Dance around while you do your housework. Not only will you get chores done, but dancing reduces levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), and increases endorphins (the body's "feel-good" chemicals).
16. Go ahead and yawn. Studies suggest that yawning helps cool the brain and improves alertness and mental efficiency.
17. Relax in a warm bath once a week. Try adding Epsom salts to soothe aches and pains and help boost magnesium levels, which can be depleted by stress.
18. Has something been bothering you? Let it all out…on paper. Writing about upsetting experiences can reduce symptoms of depression.
19. Spend some time with a furry friend. Time with animals lowers the stress hormone - cortisol, and boosts oxytocin - which stimulates feelings of happiness. If you don’t have a pet, hang out with a friend who does or volunteer at a shelter.
20. “What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when you bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen.”
- Henry David Thoreau
Practice mindfulness by staying "in the present." Try these tips.
21. Be a tourist in your own town. Often">

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

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Danielle's submission!

My partner and I will have been together for four years in March, and we have loved and respected each other every second of that time together. I show my love and respect for him by understanding his boundaries and by trying some of the things he loves, whether it is gardening or staying in one night and watching a movie (I obviously like to be out and about 24/7). When he is upset, I pause everything else and make it a priority to either get him to meditate, do yoga, or simply sit and talk with me to ensure his mental health is okay. A mutual sign of love and respect, and essentially just a sign of support, we consistently say, “You and me against the world,” just as a reminder that we always have each other’s back and that we are never alone.

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Ebony's submission!

I show my husband the love and respect he deserves by supporting his every decision and being a loving, loyal companion. I’m always there for him when he is at a low point in his life and I love him unconditionally.

Hunt. Fish. Gather. Grow.

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

I am a freshmen at Stanford University currently taking Lakota Language (my language) and every quarter our class has a Lakota Dinner with other members in the area and we come together to pray and eat sovereign foods that were originally eaten by our ancestors and for this meal we had magaksica wohanpi na kanta wojapi na ceyaka na aguyapi. (Duck Soup, Wild Plum Pudding, green mint tea, and bread even though bread was not in our traditional diet)

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Gabriella's submission!

By having a good time, with your loved ones a great time is never a waste of time...whether it's just laying in bed doing nothing or doing something illegal its an awesome time letting them know you care “text me wen you get home so i know you’re safe” I'm rambling but its sweet having multiple people in your life to constantly care and caring back gives you just as a warm feeling

#4Mind4Body

Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!

Hello, my name is Isis Arce. I am Navajo and Yaqui, yep I’m mixed. I live in the Navajo Reservation with my family. I dance jingle but I hardly go to Pow wows because of my school and that we can only miss 10 school days or I’m kicked out. My school does have this weird cultural festival though. I don’t really know how I have a good mental health. Possibly the only thing I do to keep myself in a good mental state is I drink tea and draw. I am a mixture of an introvert and an extrovert. The side I show more is the introvert side. That is another way how I am at a good mental state because I get to stay away from people and be by myself. When I’m by myself I play music, watch anime, and just chillax. Basically I feel better when I am alone. Another thing I do is that I have a stuffed animal and his name is Foxy – Kun. I am not shameful of sleeping with a stuffed animal! I love Foxy because when I have a really bad day or I just want a hug I go to Foxy. I am still young and I have not really experienced life. Okay, thank you for reading this.

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.

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Jenny's submission!

I show my husband I love and respect him by paying attention to the little things he likes. Sometimes, I'll sneak like little love notes in his backpack for work, and I'll surprise him with his favorite candy. My husband is my rock, and the leader of our family. We do whatever we can to try to keep the other spouse happy.

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Jermaine's submission!

I bought this necklace for my girlfriend on Christmas day because I appreciate her.

#4Mind4Body

Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!

Hello, my name is Kambria Siyuja. I am of the Havasu Baaja, people of the blue-green waters, also known as Havasupai. I live in Supai, Arizona, which is in the bottom of the Grand Canyon, but right now I live in Holbrook, Arizona. What I do to help from stressing out is I treat myself, I use a Saturday or Sunday to maybe drink some tea and take deep breathes or I will put a facial mask on and listen to positive music. I would go home to attend social gatherings but I cannot because I stay at a boarding school, but it also has a few culture days where I can preform traditional dances for everyone and I can feel uplifted by the dance. When we don’t have those days and I am really stressing out I will pray, my roommate is knowledgeable about this so when I am stressed she will ask if I need to talk or need some time alone. I also read, clean, write five encouraging verses from the bible, stretch, brush my hair, make a recovery playlist (positive music), talk a little walk, take a nap, wash my face, draw, sit in silence or play a game. Although I am only 15 I stress a lot from school but I stay calm by these things on top or I talk to the staff here, they help me in a lot of ways. Thanks for reading.

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Kayani's submission!

Love is tricky but I still believe in love at first sight. How I want my partner to treat me is with respect because respect is the perfect way of telling me you love me

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Cheyenne's submission!

I had taken this photo during November 1, because it was a traditional day for my people called Day of the dead where our family who has passed comes and visits us for the day.

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Koby's submission!

Respecting and showing commitment to him. Being a dork and funny. Giving gifts that show that I love him and care for him.

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Cheyenne's submission!

My name is Koby Dale and I am from the White Mountain Apache Tribe, which is located in Arizona. I am currently attending Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, CA. My plan is to go to become a Cosmetologist. I am a happy person who loves to help others. I am currently the Pep. Commisioner for the Inter-Tribal Council. This picture was taken in my room after I finished applying my makeup, which I do every morning. As I always say do not live up to anybody's expectations, but your own. Have A Good Day!

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Kymberlee's submission!

I'm entering for me and my husband. The picture is of our family. We have 3 beautiful kids together and as usual we are going to softball field early. Both of our girls play travel softball so we are always on the road. We have been together for 15 years and married for 3 years. I truly couldn't do it without the support of my husband. I've had some health issues this last year and he has stepped up and handled it all and took care of me when I needed him most. He truly shows me the meaning of love, support and most of all trust! I have to say I am blessed he picked me as his wife. Thanks for letting me share

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Lori's submission!

Married my best friend after 14 years together, this year we are together 16 years.

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Mylaria's submission!

Love of my life were from the same rez different school wish he comes to Sherman’s next year

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'

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Sarah's submission!

This September my husband and I will be married for 5 years and before that we dated for 2 years while in school. We were actually best friends growing up. From dating to marriage we have always supported one another in whatever it is we wanted to do. Our love for another has no limitations, when he can no longer be strong for us I am there, as he is for me. We married at 18 so when we started out we had nothing but over the years the strength and love from one another along with hard work has gotten us to where we are today. We are raising our first child who is 4 months and he has brought us closer together with making our bond stronger. From day 1 together we have always said "just you and me against the whole universe." We meant it and now it's our little family against all odds to come. With love, strength, and faith we will continue to overcome all odds.

share:

This September my husband and I will be married for 5 years and before that we dated for 2 years while in school. We were actually best friends growing up. From dating to marriage we have always supported one another in whatever it is we wanted to do. Our love for another has no limitations, when he can no longer be strong for us I am there, as he is for me. We married at 18 so when we started out we had nothing but over the years the strength and love from one another along with hard work has gotten us to where we are today. We are raising our first child who is 4 months and he has brought us closer together with making our bond stronger. From day 1 together we have always said "just you and me against the whole universe." We meant it and now it's our little family against all odds to come. With love, strength, and faith we will continue to overcome all odds.">
This September my husband and I will be married for 5 years and before that we dated for 2 years while in school. We were actually best friends growing up. From dating to marriage we have always supported one another in whatever it is we wanted to do. Our love for another has no limitations, when he can no longer be strong for us I am there, as he is for me. We married at 18 so when we started out we had nothing but over the years the strength and love from one another along with hard work has gotten us to where we are today. We are raising our first child who is 4 months and he has brought us closer together with making our bond stronger. From day 1 together we have always said "just you and me against the whole universe." We meant it and now it's our little family against all odds to come. With love, strength, and faith we will continue to overcome all odds.">
This September my husband and I will be married for 5 years and before that we dated for 2 years while in school. We were actually best friends growing up. From dating to marriage we have always supported one another in whatever it is we wanted to do. Our love for another has no limitations, when he can no longer be strong for us I am there, as he is for me. We married at 18 so when we started out we had nothing but over the years the strength and love from one another along with hard work has gotten us to where we are today. We are raising our first child who is 4 months and he has brought us closer together with making our bond stronger. From day 1 together we have always said "just you and me against the whole universe." We meant it and now it's our little family against all odds to come. With love, strength, and faith we will continue to overcome all odds.">

#4Mind4Body

Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!

The most important way I'm taking care of myself right now is by learning about my culture. I'm Ojibwe (Sault Ste. Marie) and am reconnecting with roots that mainstream society has tried to sever for many generations.
- I'm learning about the foods that are native to where my people come from and incorporating them into my meals. I'm eating more whole, balanced foods and listening to my body to figure out what it needs.
- I'm reading books about Ojibwe culture and learning about the teachings that help to reshape my view of the world.
- I'm, very slowly, trying to learn the language. Currently it's just a few words here and there, but it's helping me along the path to learning the language.
- I take about 30 minutes in the morning to just sit and be. This helps my anxiety a lot. Our fast-paced society deprives us of this time, but it's important to get it if we can.
- I'm reshaping the way I see myself. Our society tells us that we're only worth what we can produce and how much we can accomplish. I fight this every day because our relationships, the love we give each other, and the respect we show each other is so important.

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Theresa's submission!

Our animals love each other like we love each other

#4Mind4Body

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Trayton's submission!

I show my parents with love and thanks

Love is in the air

For February's contest, we asked "How do you show your partner that you love and respect them?" Check out Tyrone's submission!

We met each other our Junior year . At Chemawa Indian school , we love each other so much . It's was like sparks when we first met . We've both been through a lot . We're going to our senior year . We're both very excited and to see what life as for the both of us . College! Woohoo 🙌

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More Winning Entries from 2018

Winning Entries from 2017

Winning Entries from 2016

Winning Entries from 2015

Winning Entries from 2014

Winning Entries from 2013

enter contest

#4Mind4Body

Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!

Health is way more than maintaining your body. It involves Spiritual health, emotional health, and mental health. To start off, I am Aliandra Lopez. I go to Holbrook Adventist Indian School, but I live in Phoenix Arizona. I am half Mexican & Navajo. I smudge almost every day, it helps me relax and feel renewed. My health is the most important to me because we all need our body to be strong and it help us cope with stress and also fight illness. I dance once in a while but I definitely exercise each day to keep myself in good shape and in good health condition. I used to dance as a Chinelo for the Mexicans. I did that every weekend for whoever invited us and wanted a dance for them. The Chinelo group has always taken care of me, they’ve shown me that there’s light in life if you just do what you love and stay positive each day. I am proud to be part native because I know we are powerful and bright and so is our future. I may be only 15 years old right now, but I have the mind to fulfill my dreams, passions, goals and aspirations. I want to be able to be a motivational speaker to those who think they are alone in this world. I give thanks to the staff at my school for not only encouraging me to do things I love but for taking me out of my shell, giving me confidence and strength to strive for what I want in the future. My future counts but so does yours. Fight for what you love and don’t give up. We Native Americans are stronger with people supporting us than trying to make it on our own.

Native American Power

#4Mind4Body

Native Pride Summer

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 :)

#4Mind4Body

This Is #INDIANCOUNTRY

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!

Mind, body & spirit

Summer is a great time to honor our bodies through self-care. So, we asked you to share how you plan to stay on track with your health goals this summer, and Mason delivered :) Check out her submission!

Working out, eating more healthy and making sure my body is well and healthy. Going hiking or swimming being more active, physically and mentally also spiritually

Mind, body & spirit

Summer is a great time to honor our bodies through self-care. So, we asked you to share how you plan to stay on track with your health goals this summer, and Evynn delivered :) Check out her submission!

I plan to stay on track with my health goals by being active with my native sisters and brothers. I plan on staying fit by dancing traditional dances with them. I also plan on cutting out sodas completely and developing a better connection with the water that flows through our land and gives us strength

Mind, body & spirit

Summer is a great time to honor our bodies through self-care. So, we asked you to share how you plan to stay on track with your health goals this summer, and Sharonna delivered :) Check out her submission!

I am 36 yrs old. Will be 37 this year. I also have 6 daughters I raise plus 2 nieces that are children of the state. Not to mention I have Hypothyroidism and Hashimotos but still manage to take time for myself to work out, run and/or lift weights. I work with children. I'm a teacher. Not only am I a teacher to the youth at school, I am to my children and everyone that looks up to me as a role model. Just try to live a positive life and deal with and manage stress in a healthy way.

Mind, body & spirit

Summer is a great time to honor our bodies through self-care. So, we asked you to share how you plan to stay on track with your health goals this summer, and Cheyenne delivered :) Check out her submission!

Hey my name is Cheyenne..... I like to stay active not only physically active but positively active in the community. I run from elders houses back home for lunch once I have finished helping them move things around the house I run like the wolves for my spirit animal is a wolf and I am positive that my new favorite thing to do around this community is help start a youth Council it is going to be amazing.. As being apart of the new native youth Council I'm going to try to make fun runs and make a youth fitness challenge.. Making sure I'm not the only one who is going to be exercising their bodies and their brains with puzzle games to keep them moving... Thank you for listening

Mind, body & spirit

Summer is a great time to honor our bodies through self-care. So, we asked you to share how you plan to stay on track with your health goals this summer, and Cheyenne delivered :) Check out her submission!

My submission is paddling for the stommish water festival i am a canoe paddler and i do a lot to make sure i stay in shape. i run like the wolves and make sure i eat berries like a bear. i eat salmon and workout along with making sure i am okay to paddle. along with my day to day activities i throw shot put and discus and i go roller bladeing and keep up with the younger generation as some of them are faster than i thought. you know i run with the wolves and make sure life knows i'm active i am a track and field athlete and i am working on my dancing and volleyball skills for the upcoming season thank you for listening - Cheyenne Weatherby Class of 2019

#4Mind4Body

Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!

The most important way I'm taking care of myself right now is by learning about my culture. I'm Ojibwe (Sault Ste. Marie) and am reconnecting with roots that mainstream society has tried to sever for many generations.
- I'm learning about the foods that are native to where my people come from and incorporating them into my meals. I'm eating more whole, balanced foods and listening to my body to figure out what it needs.
- I'm reading books about Ojibwe culture and learning about the teachings that help to reshape my view of the world.
- I'm, very slowly, trying to learn the language. Currently it's just a few words here and there, but it's helping me along the path to learning the language.
- I take about 30 minutes in the morning to just sit and be. This helps my anxiety a lot. Our fast-paced society deprives us of this time, but it's important to get it if we can.
- I'm reshaping the way I see myself. Our society tells us that we're only worth what we can produce and how much we can accomplish. I fight this every day because our relationships, the love we give each other, and the respect we show each other is so important.

#4Mind4Body

Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!

These are ways i keep my mental heath in shape I did this for a school project and got an A so i hope i win

1. Track gratitude and achievement with a journal. Include 3 things you were grateful for and 3 things you were able to accomplish each day.
2. Start your day with a cup of co¬ffee. Coff¬ee consumption is linked to lower rates of depression. If you can’t drink coff¬ee because of the caff¬eine, try another good-for-you drink like green tea.
3. Set up a getaway. It could be camping with friends or a trip to the tropics. The act of planning a vacation and having something to look forward to can boost your overall happiness for up to 8 weeks!
4. Work your strengths. Do something you're good at to build self-confidence, then tackle a tougher task.
5. Keep it cool for a good night's sleep. The optimal temperature for sleep is between 60˚ and 67˚ Fahrenheit.
6. "You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." -Martin Luther King Jr.
Think of something in your life you want to improve, and figure out what you can do to take a step in the right direction.
7. Experiment with a new recipe, write a poem, paint or try a Pinterest project. Creative expression and overall well-being are linked.
8. Show some love to someone in your life. Close, quality relationships are key for a happy, healthy life.
9. Boost brainpower by treating yourself to a couple pieces of dark chocolate every few days. The flavanoids, caffeine, and theobromine in chocolate are thought to work together to improve alertness and mental skills.
10. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.” -Maya Angelou
11. Sometimes, we don't need to add new activities to get more pleasure. We just need to soak up the joy in the ones we've already got. Trying to be optimistic doesn't mean ignoring the uglier sides of life. It just means focusing on the positive as much as possible.
12. Feeling anxious? Take a trip down memory lane and do some coloring for about 20 minutes to help you clear your mind. Pick a design that's geometric and a little complicated for the best effect.

13. Take time to laugh. Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy or check out cute videos online. Laughter helps reduce anxiety.
14. Go off the grid. Leave your smart phone at home for a day and disconnect from constant emails, alerts, and other interruptions. Spend time doing something fun with someone face-to-face.
15. Dance around while you do your housework. Not only will you get chores done, but dancing reduces levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), and increases endorphins (the body's "feel-good" chemicals).
16. Go ahead and yawn. Studies suggest that yawning helps cool the brain and improves alertness and mental efficiency.
17. Relax in a warm bath once a week. Try adding Epsom salts to soothe aches and pains and help boost magnesium levels, which can be depleted by stress.
18. Has something been bothering you? Let it all out…on paper. Writing about upsetting experiences can reduce symptoms of depression.
19. Spend some time with a furry friend. Time with animals lowers the stress hormone - cortisol, and boosts oxytocin - which stimulates feelings of happiness. If you don’t have a pet, hang out with a friend who does or volunteer at a shelter.
20. “What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when you bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen.”
- Henry David Thoreau
Practice mindfulness by staying "in the present." Try these tips.
21. Be a tourist in your own town. Often

#4Mind4Body

Health is more than maintaining your body, we also need to maintain our spiritual health, emotional health, and…yup you guessed it our mental health! During mental health awareness month in May, we asked you to share how you take care of your mind!

Hello, my name is Kambria Siyuja. I am of the Havasu Baaja, people of the blue-green waters, also known as Havasupai. I live in Supai, Arizona, which is in the bottom of the Grand Canyon, but right now I live in Holbrook, Arizona. What I do to help from stressing out is I treat myself, I use a Saturday or Sunday to maybe drink some tea and take deep breathes or I will put a facial mask on and listen to positive music. I would go home to attend social gatherings but I cannot because I stay at a boarding school, but it also has a few culture days where I can preform traditional dances for everyone and I can feel uplifted by the dance. When we don’t have those days and I am really stressing out I will pray, my roommate is knowledgeable about this so when I am stressed she will ask if I need to talk or need some time alone. I also read, clean, write five encouraging verses from the bible, stretch, brush my hair, make a recovery playlist (positive music), talk a little walk, take a nap, wash my face, draw, sit in silence or play a game. Although I am only 15 I stress a lot from school but I stay calm by these things on top or I talk to the staff here, they help me in a lot of ways. Thanks for reading.

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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!!!!

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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.

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#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, 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.