I grew up driving an hour north, bypassing several churches, to attend a small church on a neighboring Native American reservation. With less than 30 people in attendance, it was the church where I learned about who God was, how much He loves me, and how He changes lives. It was also the church I decided to be baptized in when I was 14. Now, my husband is overseeing outreach efforts of about 100 churches here in Western Washington. He speaks at a different church almost every week. Instead … [Read more...]
Why Education is Important
I grew up in a Native American home on a Native American reservation. My grandparents were alcoholics and dirt poor for most of my dad's childhood - and despite that my dad was smart and did very well in school. When I was born, my parents had moved off our reservation and my dad went to college. Even at the young age of 20, my parents realized that they wanted more for their daughter. A new life. A life better than the one they had when they were kids. We moved back to our reservation when … [Read more...]
Educate Girls with a Native American Doll
I've talked about how I am Native American (just over half, because people usually ask that) on the blog before. My kids and I are registered members of our small reservation here in Washington state. I lived the first 20 years of my life on the rez, left with my hubby to California for ten years and then moved back. We are within 2 miles of most of my large extended family which is nice. We are also connected to a whole community of tribal members, many of whom are friends that are closer than … [Read more...]
Can you use custom apparel?
I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for MyLocker. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. Every summer thousands of Native Americans participate in a Canoe Journey on the West Coast. My dad has a 14-man canoe, the Salmon Dancer, that participates as well. It is amazing to be a part of something this big and to celebrate our Native American culture with so many others. Last year … [Read more...]
Giving Back with Playskool
I wrote this review while participating in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Playskool. I received product samples to facilitate my party and review, and a promotional item to thank me for participating. I grew up pretty poor. I just didn't know it. I had toys but mostly played outside as a kid. I grew up on a reservation (still live here) and saw a lot of poverty and neglect. Toys weren't always at the top of parents lists when thinking of their children. Fast forward a … [Read more...]
New People. New School. Scary.
When I was in fourth grade my parents decided to send me to a private Christian school. It wasn't just attending a new school that was hard but leaving behind friends that was heartbreaking. Can any of you relate? I was eight years old and terrified. Growing up on a Native American reservation, I had friends in my community since birth. We went to Headstart, Kindergarten and Elementary school together. And life as I knew it was fast changing. Change is scary. New people? Even more so. Of … [Read more...]
My Uncle’s Gift
This post was sponsored by New York Life. Find out how New York Life can help you and your family Keep Good Going by visiting newyorklife.com/keepgoodgoing In this video, My Uncle’s Gift, this young boy's dream to be a filmmaker is inspired by his Uncle's gift to him. It is important as a family to keep the good going don't you agree? To perpetuate the positive. What are some ways that your family keeps the good going? As I mentioned before, I live on a Native American … [Read more...]
