Strives to be an Elder who teaches cultural traditions.

I am a Native woman in my early 50s—in my culture I am considered a “young elder.” I have been in recovery now for 16 years and statistically, I am not even supposed to be here. I am a mother to two wonderful boys—a partner to my beautiful wife of 13 years. I’m a grandma, in our way, to many. I’m a sister to six sisters and 11 brothers, and I am an auntie to many nieces and nephews.

 Growing up among my Paiute relatives, I would always see my grandparents have relatives come to their home. They would speak Paiute, laugh, and talk for hours. I was raised Southern Paiute by my mom's relatives since I was a baby. I grew up with culture around me. Ceremonies were a way of life for my grandparents.
 
In my later 40s, I started to understand that I can have an impact on those who come after me. My biggest step was to embrace my greying hair and wear it proudly. For me, the honor of being an Elder in my community is a blessing beyond words. It's a part of the seasons of change in our walk of life, like the Medicine Wheel teachings. I walk into the coming years with Elders who share words and serve as examples through their grace and wisdom.
 
I strive to be one of those Elders I watched as a young girl. They were loving and accepted me for who I was. I was their relative. I want to be that Elder Native woman who teaches with love and kindness. But mostly, I want to be a woman who is humble and teachable, knowing no matter how old I am, I'll always continue to learn and grow. Every year I walk on Mother Earth—51 winters I have been here—I will celebrate culture and traditions. I am blessed to have the experiences I have had in my life.