GRAND GLORIOUS
GROUPS GATHER
Indian
Education / IHRC Culture Days in Balboa Park
By Roy Cook
This weekend is a
blessing from the Creator. All we can desire and need and enjoy was evident
in the company of the of the most beautiful people in the world, Tribal
People. Children smiling, Grandparents protective and instructive, Warriors
grouping together modestly recognize each other gruffly. I suppose it
is too evident we males so often appear to be boys in grownups clothes.
Maybe it was the times or the circumstances of conflict and harms way.
In any case it is good to see us here in the sun, for all the people to
see.
The
ladies are always first in tribal country. They carry the culture, as
they carry the future of the people, our Indian Children. Indian Education
for Indian children away from the reservations and homes of their parents
and grandparents. Has it really been Twenty-five years? This weekend recognizes
the efforts of community members and Indian Education people working to
do the right thing for our Indian children.
Don
Vigneualt is the Honored Elder for 2003. Each year, the Indian Education
program under Vicky Gambala, has selected a Kumeyaay Elder to be recognized.
This acknowledgement and respect for the host people of this area is more
than a gesture. We all have much to be thankful for to the original people
of this corner of Turtle Island. Each time we have days, like the ones
we experience this weekend, we too can sigh with appreciation that we
have glimpsed the glimmers of Eden.
Vicky Gambala is also the community board Chairperson of the Indian Human
Resource Center. IHRC and the Indian Education program partnered up to
produce the greatly successful event this weekend. Juan Castellanos was
everywhere motivating and doing all he could to see a safe successful
event be a part of the experience we all came away with this weekend.
Many Thanks, to the great effort of both, Vicky and Juan and their respective
organizations.
Beautiful regalia, feathers flying, ribbons flashing in the sun, beadwork
sparkling in complex designs. Tribal tradition is visible in each smile
and proud glance, everywhere in glorious splendor.
Songs echoed in the
canyons of time immemorial. All our relations, to all our relations: here
we are once again, we are what you taught us, we are what has been, and
will continue to be, Indian people. Thanks to the Creator for the time
to be here together again.
americanindiansouurce.com
Roy Cook: writer, public relations, speaker
Opata/Osage-Mazopioye Wichasha
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