Post by Doris McCraw
writing as Angela Raines
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| Photo property of the author |
November is National Novel Writing Month, commonly known as NaNoWriMo, where people work to write 50,000 words in thirty days. More importantly, it's National Native American Heritage Month.
I do not have any Indigenous past relatives that I know of, but my departed ex did. Whenever we'd have conversations, he knew little to nothing about that heritage. From what I understand it came from both sides of his family. I always felt bad that his family couldn't or didn't talk about that heritage.
For myself, knowing where I came from, what has made me unique has been important. Much of my actions, philosophy, and even foods I ate, came from those ancestors.
There has always been a fascination with the roots of civilizations. As a child, I was always reading about the Olmec, Aztec, Toltec, and Anasazi people. Later, after visiting the Cahokia Mounds I tried to find more about that group of people. To this day, I find myself reading anything I can on the history of the mounds and it's people. Overview of Cahokia Mounds
This naturally grew to include the lives and civilizations of later indigenous people. Illinois, where I grew up, as most know, got its name from the 'Illini' people. The Fox, Kickapoo, Sacs, were among the early people of that state. Here is a map to help illustrate:
I have a copy of this map in my possession. I find it endlessly useful. I've also included the link that includes more information about the map.
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| https://www.aaanativearts.com/OLDus_tribes_AtoZ.htm |
Thank you for allowing me to share my passion for these people and their history.
An article on the creation of National Native Heritage Month
Until next month, stay safe, follow your passion, and keep reading and writing.
Colorado and Women's History
Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful map and article! Really interesting.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. There is so much rich history along with lifestyles that are so important. At least they are to me. I am happy you enjoyed it. Doris
DeleteI enjoyed this post. I have been to Mesa Verde and it's a remarkable place. I learned a little about the Ute and how they lived whilst there. Thanks for bringing back memories of a wonderful trip.
ReplyDeleteThat makes me happy that my words help people relive times in their lives. I've always been sad that so much of the Cahokia history was lost for so long. Doris
DeleteThank you for the reminder that this is National Indigenous Peoples Month. I wish I had some Native American heritage I could claim, but alas, I have none that I know of. In my grandfather's trunk there was a picture of a Native American couple (probably from the 1800's by their clothing and hair styles. It was the only picture among so many that showed a laughing couple with the woman sitting on the man's lap. They looked so happy. I have no idea who they were or why my grandfather put their picture in the trunk to preserve for generations to come. I hope they were relatives, but I never heard anyone mention Native American ties to our family.
ReplyDeleteMy best friend is Cherokee on her mother's side. She practices the Lakota ways and participates in fire dances. She has a Native American Elder as her mentor. I love and appreciate how she celebrates her Native American roots. There are so many things about her that inspire me. When I worked with her in CCU she could remain calm in the middle of chaos and in a crisis, but she would stand by the bedside of a dying patient and give the kind of comfort for them that was almost too filled with emotion for me to bare. She encouraged me to go with her to the funerals of our patients to pay our last respects to them and their families. What a kind gesture. I saw how much those families appreciated 2 nurses who cared for their relative showing up at those funerals. She served in the Air Force in ground hospitals and expedited the transfer of patients to Germany when needed from the war zones. This was her way, this spiritual Native American way of remaining calm in bad situations, being a wise leader, but having so much compassion for people. I wish I had that ability.
This was such a profound post honoring our Indigenous brothers and sisters, Doris. I wish you all good things...
Thank you for sharing your friend with us. What an amazing person. I have such a love for history and the indigenous life. So much to learn. Doris
DeleteYour in-depth posts always inform and inspire to read more. This one is no exception, bringing to light that November is National Native American Heritage Month. As far back as elementary school when I first learned about the Aztec and Inca civilizations, I've had a fascination for their culture and their long-reaching affect in our history. I loved reading Sarah's beautiful experience with her co-worker. How kind for two nurses to attend their patients' funeral.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elizabeth. My thought is, if I'm interested other people may be also. Plus, I just love to research.
DeleteI agree, Sarah's story touches your heart. Doris
Thanks so much for this informative blog. The maps were very helpful. It's so sad that we were not taught in school about the history and cultures of indigenous peoples.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I've been fortunate that people around me were interested, and as I child, I soaked as much in a possible, then took off from there. Doris
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