I was born and raised on the Yakama Indian Nation Reservation. From my earliest memories of growing up, I always wanted to be 'the Indian.' When we attended powwows, I danced in the dances wearing a dance shawl loaned to me by a Yakama that was like my aunt. I told myself that someday, I would have all the regalia - I would be able to dance with pride at powwows. After more than 30 years, I finally DID have my buckskin dress, my beadwork, my 'full' regalia. I had always felt like an Indian trapped in a 'white' body. In this past decade, I found out that I have Native heritage, but it was never spoken of or acknowledged. I now have the job and honor of tracing that heritage. As I find it, I will share it here. I am proud to be Native American. I hope I can trace my past.

Here is a photo of myself in my regalia. I was attending a local pow-wow in White Swan at the Satus Long House.

Another shot. This was one of the teepees that were around the encampment last year.

This background is courtesy of SpiritWolf collections. Please visit this site for a complete listing of the beautiful Native American backgrounds and borders. This website can be found at: Spirit Wolf

Last updated May 27, 2005.