On October 14th, every year, it is Indigenous Day in the United States, and all month long in November, it is Native American Heritage Month. Living in an urban setting for the majority of my life has been the norm for me. Back in New Mexico, the Southwest, many people are familiar with Native Americans. Still, since I have moved away from New Mexico in the past few years, I have moved to the Midwest, where there were Native Americans at one time, but they forced to leave their land by new settlers. There are rivers, roads, and towns named after Native American leaders, but while I was there, I not once ran into another Native American. With being on the East Coast, there are running and standing reservations surrounding me. I have not yet visited these places, but I have heard from many that there are Native Americans here. Also, being close to Washington DC, I know there are resources such as Indian Health Service Headquarters, the National Museum of Native Americans- Smithsonian, and there are other local Native American LifeLines for healthcare. There are Native Americans all over the United States but not in large amounts. Although there are not many Native Americans to spread our stories, traditions, and teachings, I have felt blessed lately to design wood wall art. The wood art does have an emphasis on Native American designs. With each design, I have tried to tie in small teaching or just merely trying to spread the beauty of Native Americans.
For this blog post, I am adding in how other Native Americans weave in their teachings and upbringings into their daily lives and work.
My mother, Karen Waconda, will be sharing how she integrates Native American teachings into her daily life and her workspace. Karen is a Native American Medicine Healer and a massage therapist from Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico. She is also a certified dharma teacher and holds degrees in nutrition and health education. Karen is an appointed volunteer faculty to the School of Medicine of the University of New Mexico. I asked my mother to speak for this article because she brings Native American teachings and healing to her spa. Karen is continuously spreading the beauty of being a Native American. The vision she shares is healing, we each need healing spiritually and physically, and she does that each day. I respect her for putting the Native American ways and Spirit first. Here is Karen’s teaching of how she spreads the beauty of being Native American: “I truly appreciate the teachings received from my ancestors, grandparents, and parents. To grow with respect, honor, and ethical rights that bring a deeper connection to one another. As being born into the Big Sun Clan and Little Turkey Clan, I feel a deeper connection to the relations of one another. It comes with responsibilities to serve and care for each other beyond blood relatives. It is also is a deeper knowing of others, being able to support through prayer, songs, dances, and other thoughtful intentions. Being Native American, we are reminded of our ceremonies on a seasonal, yearly, and intermittently throughout our life span. Ceremonies provide underlying strength to my core, as there is a knowing of vibrations to all Beings, Creator, and beyond. I know and feel the deep cellular penetration that gives me strength for a new day, giving and receiving from one another. I know and honor what is sacred and allow space to be.”
As for the second in-depth teaching, I have asked Deana Jackson. Deana is Díne Navajo from Arizona. Deana just received the 2019 National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development Women Business Owner of the Year. This award is to recognize successful Native American woman business owners that maintain outstanding leadership, management, and performance. Deana is a managing partner of Zion Enterprises, LLC. A thriving business that focuses on building public relations, marketing, and event planning. They strive to help your business succeed and flourish. She brings so much knowledge to her clients and business. She is a powerful, passionate, and loving person. Here is know Deana spreads the beauty of being a Native American: “Knowledge is many things, gained by many experiences. True knowledge is the reason for being and becoming.” An essential foundation instilled into me by my late father, who was a life-long educator dedicated to advancing the educational opportunities for the Navajo people. His words instilled into me the prevailing belief that drives my personal life and professional career. For over thirty years in my professional career, I have worked among many Native people and tribes throughout Indian country. My most significant takeaway is the knowledge of the importance of education the world about the beauty of our people, art, and culture and beliefs as well as the real history and contributions of our Native people in America. Without a doubt, these professional opportunities have genuinely provided me that platform, as I continue to advocate on behalf of Indian country. It is a responsibility I will never take lightly.”
Even though I am only speaking for Native Americans, you too have history and a reason for being who you are. I am just here to bridge our relations and to show you how beautiful people are. Stories keep our traditions, and you’re history alive. October 14th is Indigenous Day, and I am telling stories and teachings to help keep my people alive and relevant. I thank you for reading and being apart of my journey.
If you would like more information Karen Waconda is available for healing, massage, and retreats contact Wa'kanda Retreat & Spa or (505)503-5093. If you would like to grow your business or schedule an event for your business, reach out to Deana Jackson at Zion Enterprises, LLC . I have created a wood art kit for this blog, so please head over to Products and pick your art piece out.
Thank you many blessings to you and your family.