As Natives we have gone by many names over the years, now commonly known as First Nations or Native Americans, and we are a resilient people. Many don’t know the true history and talk of us as if we are extinct, but, we are still here. We have endured hundreds of years of genocide with millions taken from from us, but we are still here. Our culture repressed, our language forbidden, and our identity destroyed so in many ways, but we are still here.
Never forget who you are. Do not bow to the oppressions others seek to put on you. Do not hide behind the bandaids of modern culture. Rise up to be who you are. Use the strength of the bear to go make it through the challenges you face and the bear’s medicine to heal yourself. Face anything that poisons you within. Learn to forgive those who wronged you.
There will always be those who don’t understand or accept you for who you are, and that’s ok. There will be those who attack you when you are vulnerable or will call or try to make you feel you weak, but so often these kinds of things come from their own pain they carry deep inside. Show all those you encounter your strength by only showing them kindness.
Learn to dance once again, even if it’s only within your heart and soul. Never forget our ancestors and guides are always with us, protecting and guiding us along the path we are meant to travel. They will always stand with us, and as we dance, they dance with us too.
Never give up on your dreams, and know yourself as a warrior with great resilience.
- Collections: Textured Paintings