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They say history is told by the survivors. There are tribal survivors of the Yakama War. I am one of the thousands of tribal members that live. This history has been told in the Ichiskiin language and in oral history. I’ve been reading a lot about the Yakama War. There is a lack of voice from Yakamas readily available. Think of the power of Yakama survivors telling this story. We’ll go through the following: The sources Defining “start war” Who started the war? When first approaching this topic some might think, “But why should I believe you?” Others may think,”Why...

Have the changes in astrology brought questions or reflection for you? I will share oral history prompts and a poem for reflection There is a lot to be said on this topic. I like to see the different discussions and questions from different tribes. From other Natives, I've seen a popular question: What does the eclipse mean for our tribe? As far as one of the teachings for the Yakama tribe, the short answer is: It’s a reminder. Tribes have different beliefs. Even within tribes, depending on circumstance or if there is a specific state such as pregnancy or mourning,...

Why would elders sing a warrior song for a teenager that was not in the war or military, but had just won a pageant? It is almost 18 years later and I am still fully understanding this experience. The year was 1999. I was 18, and just won a second pageant, Miss National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). This was hosted by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Their homelands are also known as Palm Springs, California. I was supported by my tribe, the Yakama Nation to run for a second title. I am honored that I was able to hold...

From Broken Bows to Boarding School, A Native Man Carries Forward Ancient Tool Knowledge Do the Native kids today know how to hold a bow? Do they know what you use to hold together an obsidian knife? These questions fly at me in the grocery store when I happened to see my uncle Tom. I was both surprised to see him and excited to visit. Living on the reservation, you run into a lot of family at the grocery store. He began talking like we were in the middle of a conversation. Who is Uncle Tom? This native man appears...

This is a great resource for learning or teaching native languages. The greetings and daily words are in Ichiskiin   If you are just learning, this will help you pick up the language. If you are refreshing your language, this will be a good visual. If you are teaching, this will serve as a tool to use. With the summer, brings some time to visit with friends and family. Often that brings up language use. Maybe you want to speak more. Or, you just want a quick reminder of how to spell or say a word to share on social...