In my heart over the years, I have grown more to accept the wisdom that it does seem foolish to say I am part this and part that. It is a mindset that we have become accustomed to though....to compartmentalize all our pieces and parts....ignoring the whole of who we are. In my previous way of thinking, I would have most likely introduced myself as that 1/4 Indian and 3/4 Caucasion man. Nowadays, I see myself as a man with Indian and Caucasion heritage OR simply a Caucasian and Indian man...a whole person....who in his heart and mind, tends to walk in both worlds.
So, in saying this, the roll call here acknowledges anyone with American Indian descent.
Specializes in Ortho Rehab, LTC, Med-Surg, Telemetry.
I'm Oglala Lakota on my mothers side. My greatgrandmother grew up on Pine Ridge and as a young woman married a man of Irish/Lakota decent. They moved to Nebraska and started their family. Nebraska is where they raised their children, including my mother's mother.
I remember when I first spoke to my grandma about our NAI heritage. She told me that as a teenager she denied her NAI heritage and dyed her hair to avoid discrimination. She said the kids treated NAI as poorly as they did African-Americans during the 40's. They'd throw things at them, spit on them, etc. Even though my greatgrandmother was quite obviously a NAI woman, my grandma used to claim only her Irish heritage.
Things are a bit different now, if you ask my grandma about her hertiage she proudly owns her Lakota heritage.
My mother, nor my brother and I are carded. As previously stated, I think it's unnecessary and inconsequential. I know where I came from, I don't need a card to tell me I am Lakota, it's in my heart.
if nothing else, this thread has been an education all on it's own. i was unaware that many of the tribes here even existed. maybe it is that you tend to be aware of the tribes which were in you general area? for me it has been fascinating to learn that there are so many tribes that i was unaware of. it has given me more to read about and learn.
:groupwelcome: let me be the first to welcome you to our group in allnurses.com. this is a very good place to learn and to share what you know and your opinions.
Specializes in Correctional, Home Care, Clinic and LTC.
I am Shasta- Mother to daughter back before dirt. I have a bit of Modoc and a lot of Euro blood in there - My culture is NDN though and I feel, and have always been taught,:paw: you either are or are not so I make no apology or explanation for my blue eyes.
May God/ The Great Spirit smile upon you and your family who has given much to this country. I have a terminal daughter, so
I can empathize with your loss. Also per Thunderwolf aka Wolfie, the roll call here acknowledges anyone of American Indian descent. So you must count my sister. I apologize for not seeing your post earlier.
I'm Dine' (Navajo) working toward an ADN. Hope to return to the rez once I pass the NCLEX (hopefully the first time). I'm also a graduate from Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas.
I look forward to touching base with many of you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Hagoonee'
Sagoli. I am an enrolled Oneida tribal member, Turtle Clan, along with Menominee. I was the clinic nurse for an Indian Health Clinic for 16 years before I made the change to Hospice nurse. Thank you for this site.
fascinoma
55 Posts
1/16th Jamestown s'Klallam, a Coast Salish tribe.