Author: katherinejefferson

1. An object that I would bring to the altar that is important to me, would be my grandmothers scarf. It was given to me after she passed away, and it means a lot to me ,she means a lot to me. I will cherish everything that she has given me forever.
2. A tradition that has meaning to me is going to Peyote meetings in the spring and summer with my family. Sitting in the Tipi around the fire and praying all night with my friends and relatives calms my spirit. Eating the medicine heals my heart and protects me from bad spirits. Hearing everyone sing, and share their voices all night long replays in my head all of the time. Its so beautiful how culture and traditions can touch someones heart so deeply.

We went to Western U and dissected hearts, lungs, and kidneys from humans that have passed on. It was a learning experience, even though I have already had the opportunity to learn from and dissect organs at another college. Kaydee, my friend and teacher taught me some new things and refreshed my memory about how the heart works. I also got to go into the virtual lab and we all got to play with this giant touch screen computer that allowed us to look at fake body online. It was a great experience and I’m so thankful for all the mentors, teachers, and elders that take the time to come and share their teachings with us.

Saginaw Grant is a wise elder, the wisdom and care that he shared with us today warmed my heart. Today was the first time that I met him, but he spoke to us as if we had known him forever. He wanted to inspire us and that is exactly what he did. I tried to listen to every word that he spoke, and I loved hearing his stories. I even got to chat with him after dinner. I talked to him about the Native American Church and if he knew my grandfather Alfred Driver. He told me that he traveled a lot up to Montana for meetings throughout his childhood and his adult life. I will definitely cherish everything he shared with us and I hope to see him again someday.

Elder Lori Sisquoc:

Making the baskets and painting on the canvas was a great experience! Excited to pass on my first basket to a family member or friend. Back home we have the same teaching! Like with cedar hats (or beading), after you make your first hat (or jewlry) you have to give it away and gift it to someone who is special to you or even a stranger. It felt very nice to know that some cultures have the same teachings or the same beliefs. I also loved learning  from lori, she is a great teacher/elder and I’m so thankful that she took the time to share some of her knowledge ❤

Tory Mudd:

I thought her presentation was very good. She was the narrator, and she told the stories very well.

Pamela Peters:

I think that her videos were amazing and they were very inspirational. I loved how she told us to show our voices and embrace our culture! Spread greatness through our communities and the world.

I was so excited to see old friends and meet new people. The Orientation was perfect, and I loved the dancing. Everyone is nice, and I am happy to be here

Where I live: Bellingham, WA

My tribes: Lummi Nation, and Carry the Kettle first nations (Assiniboine) 

What I love: Singing, Turtles/Tortoises, Potato Salad, Stitch, and of course my family and friends.

Where I go to school: Ferndale High School (11th grade)

Public Speaking/singing: I sing everywhere! I love helping my community, and sharing my voice.

My future plans: Be happy, and slay.

🙂 Bye