Cultural Awareness and Appreciation

The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself. Nietzsche.

I just have this overwhelming amount of respect for all of the people who have brought me back into the world of my culture. It’s funny to mention that word, culture, because growing up with very North American (white) parents I never had that or knew what it meant.

I love my parents so much for giving me the best childhood and valuable life lessons. I also could not be happier that they adopted my brothers to be my best friends and protectors. My idea of culture has just been to be loved and cared for by my family. Getting the chance to know my biological mother and family has been a real blessing. It has opened my heart to desire to learn about First Nations People. More importantly, I’m at a place where I feel comfortable tearing down that wall I have put up about my skin color or identity struggles.

Every time I talk about it now it makes me realize how unfortunate it was that I never knew that with my skin came such strength and passion. I was always so confused by the connection and differences of appearances. Growing up I went to so many different schools trying to belong somewhere. My parents always tried to help me and support my desire to feel among friends. Yet when I graduated high school I realized that what I was searching for was not necessarily friends but a home to my identity issues.

The more I get to see my biological family, the more understanding I have for the culture I am now becoming a part of. I just would like to thank everyone for cultivating an environment of learning for me. I am so appreciative for all of the cultural teachings.