I am Beverly Faith Owens, the oldest of four children, born in Anchorage, Alaska to Karen Rae Hopkins. The first ten years of my life we lived in Cordova, AK, and then we moved back to Anchorage. In 1984 I graduated from West High School, then attended business school, graduating in 1987. I have continued my education here and there, not only to improve my skills, but to role model the importance of learning to my three sons. Over 30 years ago I moved to Washington State with my oldest son at the time to start a new beginning.

I now live in Onalaska, WA with my husband and youngest son. My two older sons live with their own families now. I have a beautiful grandson, who is my pride and joy. For the past twenty plus years, I have worked for the Nisqually Indian Tribe as the Executive Secretary/Public Works Department. I keep up with what is happening with Native issues throughout the country, because we’re all affected. What happens in Indian Country has an impact on all Native communities.

Every day is a new day and we as a united gathering need to move forward to improve opportunities for Native peoples. We need to push forward towards better schooling, housing, and medical care, as well as any other issues that may arise. We will only have a promising tomorrow for our tribal people if we work together as a whole. Without our unity, strength and wisdom, there will be no tomorrow for us as a people.

We need to look back at our ancestors and thank them for their hard fight. Because of them, we exist as a people today! I never forget to tell my sons where they come from, what they are, and how proud we are of their heritage. Our families are warriors and survivors. We are an honorable people. As the saying goes, ‘We are the First People of the land. We as a people have to set an example not only for our children, grandchildren, and future generations to come, but we need to show all people that we are warriors and survivors for today and tomorrow.’

I am proud to be an honorable, strong, traditional Native woman succeeding in a modern world. I have instilled that pride in each of my sons, too. We are now instilling that pride and tradition in my firstborn grandchild. My sons and I participate in Native song and dance every summer during Tribal Journeys here in Washington State. I have taught them how to hunt, gather, grow, prepare and store foods. I have taught them how to tan hides, sew, and weave.

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Onalaska, WA