Day 5!- Sylena

07/15/17

Opening my eyes this morning, I felt exhausted. It has been quite a busy program so far and I am enjoying it more and more each day. We started off our morning yet again with Hector and John practicing martial arts.

The sun was hanging high in the sky at 7:00am burning my eyes as I gazed up to admire it, thankful for another day here in California. The smell of the sage filled my lungs as we passed around the shell it was burning in. Throughout this session today, I felt peaceful and by the end of it, began to feel more energized.

Later in the day, after aztec math and dinner, we learnt how to basket weave with Lori Sisquoc. I am so grateful that she was there to show us the ropes about basket weaving. I found this activity very enjoyable and going forward, would like to continue it in my own Nation. I have always wondered about basket weaving and I am glad and thankful that I had the chance to experience it, especially with these amazing people and elders.

So far, this program has made me more curious about my own community and has really made me want to become more involved with them; learning more about my family and “teachings” from elders. In the near future, I look forward to becoming closer with my Nation. I am excited to tell the native youth from my community about this program and how it has helped me to grow as a person.

-Sylena