On November 18th, we attended the American Indian Event at the Museum of History, celebrating Native American Indian Month here in Raleigh.

Victoria had worked hard offering pedicures to students of the studio in hopes of raising money for a good cause. I have no idea why pedicures—because we don’t get them often—but she painted here at home, lol :) She chose American Indians as the cause. Yup, proud mama here.

This began sometime between owning Dottie Orenda and Cisco Terruño. She raised $12.50. The day finally arrived, and she placed her money in an envelope and asked her daddy, R’wd, how to write “For Cherokee.” She ran upstairs and was so proud to show me. My heart melted. Not too long ago, I had read her The Trail of Tears. I couldn’t hold back my tears, and if you’ve read it, you wouldn’t be able to either.

We arrived at the event and searched for a Cherokee Native. Quickly, we found John StandingDeer, also known as Bullet. He told us he was from the Eastern Band of Cherokee, and that there were others in Oklahoma. I mentioned we had read The Trail of Tears, and he seemed a little taken aback—maybe that’s not the perfect word—but I don’t think he expected her to know about it at only 5 years old.

When she handed him the envelope and we told him we were very sorry for what has happened and continues to happen, he seemed moved.

My History

I moved to North Carolina because the movie The Last of the Mohicans was filmed here—though the Mohicans come from the North. I saw it in 9th grade, and it felt like home. I fell in love.

As a child, the spirit of the Indio has resonated within me. My father taught me the love of Mother Earth and her many beautiful creatures. My Abuela Maria sang to all animals—the ants, the pigeons, the chickens. My Godfather taught me about Greenpeace.

But the truth of the Indigenous People runs in my spirit, and I vow to pass that to my creation who chose me—Victoria Nahuel, my little “Jaguar” who walks with the Shaman. This day has meant the world to me.

Maybe it’s silly to some, but it doesn’t bother me. The truth resides in me. John StandingDeer, aka Bullet, proceeded to educate her a bit about how his people still hunt in the forest. But time was short and the introductions were about to begin. When he looked up, he realized his tribe had already headed out, so he had to go.

We followed outside as the many tribes began making their way through the crowd. We stood to video and capture more pictures. And then they arrived. He noticed her—though I’m not sure if it processed at that moment—and then... Soleil kissed his face. He turned to my sweet child and smiled.

Just writing this brings me to tears. I am grateful for this introduction and will pursue more knowledge and more connections. To learn from the Native Americans of this land is a dream I will continue to follow and teach to Victoria.

Satya. #Truth.

For more pictures of this wonderful event, click here.

Maktub (it is written)
Windhorse aka Claudia