The present day people of Turtle

The present day people of Turtle Island.

When most people speak or read about Native American people, their culture, their traditions, their plight, it is often done from the viewpoint of looking to the past. History books reveal to us, in limited scope, a few of the famous names of those who fought, and often died, whilst trying to protect and ensure that their people, their culture, were not extinguished forever by the rapid advance across America by the white invaders.

The exploits of those famous warriors, and their people, make fascinating reading. The wholesale murder of innocent women and children in the massacre's of that distant past still make uncomfortable reading today. When one looks upon those weather lined faces depicted in the old black and white photographs, it is hard to understand from where they got their courage, the determination, their fighting spirit, to take on the overwhelming challenges that faced them. But they did.

And the truth is, you can still see that look of courage, determination and fighting spirit in the faces of their descendants today. For there are still those today who carry on the traditions and the culture that were handed down to them by their forefathers. The present day people of Turtle Island, and Canada, have not finished writing their own page in the history books of tomorrow.

Below are a series of photographs and short biographies of the people the world has come to know as Native Americans. I hope you enjoy spending a few minutes getting to know them, and next when you speak about Native Americans do so in a way that not only reflects their past, but their present and their future too.

DISCLAIMER

The People appearing on this page do so only to show the world that Native American's still have a presence on Turtle Island today. They do not appear here to endorse any of the other works, opinions, or stories of the site owner.

   A mother stands at the door telling the little boy to come in; 'it’s too cold outside and your going to get sick,' he is gazing up at the sky loving the feeling of fresh snow upon his upturned face. She also calls to him after the passing of winter, when the day are hotter, to come in where it’s cooler and that it’s too hot to play outside. He faces the sun with his eyes closed loving the feeling of the warm sun upon his skin. He loves spending his time outdoors.
   He uses a broom and covers to make a teepee in the living room rather than using chairs and covers to make a tent. He loves this dwelling. He sits in front of the TV yelling in vane for victory for the Indian’s, knowing that the cowboys dressed in white always get the “Savages”. He knows in his heart why the Indians fight, it for their survival, their way of life and what is rightfully theirs.
   He watches in fascination as the dancers dance to the beat of drums wearing beautifully colored traditional Indian regalia. He holds his newly bought plastic tomahawk tight in his hands as his family drives away from the reservation.
   He is constantly searching the skies for large majestic birds. When visiting the zoos, he is enthralled to see the animals, but his heart aches for them being caged the way they are, for he knows how they are feeling. He loves Mother Earth’s creatures. He picks up trash as he walks home from school. He loves the environment.
   Years later, when he has grown to be a man, some of those feelings have faded, replaced by feelings that all adolescence have, other issues came into his life. He came to be a man at an early age, for he was but a kid himself when he had to become the responsible one. He raised his children in the way he knew was right. He taught them respect. He taught them to honor their elders and grandparent. He taught them to care for the world and it’s creatures. He, however never taught them about the Indians…. For it was unknown to him where he came from.
   That little boy was me. It was in the year of 1999 that I became interested in genealogy. I started attending several family reunions on my Dad’s side and met many elders there that have been studying our family history for many years. My mother and father divorced many years ago when I was very young. I found it very intriguing that my grandmother was full blood French and that way back my ancestors were Scotch-Irish. It became an obsession as to when and from where my ancestors came to this land, and the history of my French grandmother that had died during childbirth. I never saw a picture of her until the year 2001. I held that picture with the most care and fascination knowing this person was a part of me. I gained lots of information from my father’s side but my mom’s side remained empty.
   Delving into my mom’s side I found there were hidden secrets. I was reminded of a visit that my mom, step-dad, siblings and I took to Tennessee to visit an old man and his wife. That man was my true great grandfather from my mom’s side. You see, my grandmother’s new husband had adopted her as a small child and given his name. It was then that I discovered the true blood that ran in my veins. The blood of Tsalagi, the blood of Cherokee.
   I have looked back at my life and now know why I felt and believed the way that I did about the American Indians. The want and need of the Indian way has always been with me. It has become an obsession to know my true ancestors and the history behind them. The name Eagle-Wolf comes from my way of life and the way I think.
   The Eagle represents the patience that I have always had. The feeling of wanting to be alone at times but also taking care of my young. The understanding to accept whatever comes my way.
   The Wolf represents the nurturing side of me with my family. The care of protecting my family and feeding them taking what is left over. The balances of being independent but accepting help as well.
   Looking back into my life, it is all about understanding why the Great Spirit has put upon me all the obstacles in my life. Perhaps to test my loyalty and spirit and to allow me to truly understand what it is to be of Indian descent.
   My soul cries to rid myself of this technological concrete prison we call civilization and get back to the old ways of life. The freedom to roam when and where I wish, the need to smell the fresh air and taste of the pristine waters. To become self sufficient rather than rely upon someone else for my own survival. All these needs run through my heart and soul for I am Cherokee, I am Tsalagi I am Wehali-Waya, I am Eagle-Wolf.

I am of the ancients, I walk their path in life and in prayer. I always honor them, but before I use to try and run away from what the Creator and the ancients made me. But one day I stopped running and stood my ground and became proud of what I was. I am what they made me to be, a learner, a teacher, a friend.
I am here to pass on to all, the ways of my people, I will never let them die. Because of what I am I have been able to touch many people, to help and to heal, to see and to feel, to cry with them, to take their pain and suffering, to walk in their darkest dreams and bring peace, a bringer of light. Three-quarters of my blood is of Indian decent, Lakota/Apache, one-quarter is of Irish.

I am from the people called Gitk'san from the village of Gitsequkla, which means people of the mountain in our language. Gitk'san means, “people of the river of mist”. Gitsegukla is a Gitxsan village at the confluence of the Kitseguecla and Skeena rivers west of Hazelton, in northwest British Columbia, Canada.

It is famous for a set of tall, slender totem poles that are distinctive to the place. My grandfather, who carved totem poles up north, was the Chief KSEM-HA-Q-HA-QWAK (English name Philip Ryan.)

My Auntie became Hereditary Chief and reigned until last year, when she died, now my Uncle has taken her place. My mother Faye, when a baby, was called, Ama Mese which means, “Sitting Pretty.” When the eagle is sitting in the tree and the wind blows the eagle still sits pretty. My mother’s adult name became Ksin'algyaxw which means, “Looking for Words/Talk,” this is an ancient name in the house of Hanamuux.

   I am called Winawachika, meaning 'Eyes That Pierce The Heart,' a name given to me by a Comanche elder during a ceremony. I am Cherokee Irish and Pueblo Indian. My given name is Quaquaa Eni, but carry my ceremonial given name with pride. I was born in Texas and raised in Mo and Tennessee, where only my mother and I still reside. My sister is still in North Carolina, and my mother's family resides in Mo. My father's family are still in Tx.
   Each day Creator offers more knowledge to me on how I should continue my walk on the Red Road, to listen to my elders and the stories that was told to them and now told to me. I tell them to my children, and one day they will tell their children, it is a cycle that we have to keep alive or our past will be no more, only a memory.
   Each story has a meaning, a story of what was, or what is to come, I dance to honor my people of those who have gone before me, and I honor those that are still with me. I dance for Creator, I dance for mother earth. I only hope that one day each and every one of us will see how mother Earth cries, and needs healing. So if you see me at a gathering stop and say hello, or as I say 'Osiyo!' May the Great Spirit always be with you, walk in beauty love and laughter.

Nigada aniyvwi nigeguda'lvna ale unihloyi unadehna duyukdv gesv'i. Gejinela unadanvtehdi ale unohlisdi ale sagwu gesv junilvwisdanedi anahldinvdlv adanvdo gvhdi.
Donvdagohvi

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
(Atricle 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

   Osiyo nigadv alisgiaugidali daquadov ale tsitsalagi. Hello everyone, I am Dancing Feather and I am Cherokee. I am very involved with my culture, unfortunately, not many people are. Living in Washington State, where there are hardly any fellow Cherokees, I have had to learn the ways of my people on my own. My younger sister and I are the last Natives in our family, and I am the one that keeps our heritage alive.
   I go to many powwows. I'm a Fancy Shawl dancer, however I do many other dances as well. I dance for some Andean bands at the festivals in my state, and I put on special performances with children. This is basically why I was named Dancing Feather hahaha.
   My hope for this Nation is for the young ones to be more informed about who they are and where they come from.

   I am descended from Chief Stranger Horse a Sicangu Lakota Warrior, who served in the U.S. Army under General Crook from 1876-1877. This tribal leader settled on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in the Butte Creek District of Wood, South Dakota. During the early reservation period Chief Stranger Horse traveled to Washington D.C. (several times); he was a guest of President Harding, and received two Washington Peace Medals.
   Chief Stranger Horse's first born son: Norris Stranger Horse (my great-grandfather). At the age of seven years, in Traditional naming ceremony, was given the Lakota name Waha Chun Kala (Shield); he legally changed his last name from Stranger Horse to Shields. Norris Shields only surviving son Raymond Shields (my grandfather), graduated from Haskell Indian College, where he majored in music.
   Raymond Shields first born daughter: Lucinda Shields-Ellert's Lakota name is Wakia Winyan (Thunder Woman). My grandmother Cora Mc Lean told me, "There was quite a thunder storm the night your Mom was born, that is what inspired her name." My mother was born in Wood, South Dakota; in the same house that Chief Stranger Horse passed away in, 1922.
   My name is Martha Fast Horse: The first born daughter of Harvey Fast Horse Jr. & Lucinda Shields-Ellert. In a Traditional Naming Ceremony some 5 years ago, I was given the Lakota name Maka Wakan Winyan (Sacred Ground Woman).
I am 24/32 Sicangu Lakota & 8/32 Irish, an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. I am my paternal grandmother's namesake; by my birthright a lineal descendant of tribal royalty, and just like my great-great grandfather before me a true and faithful " Sicangu Lakota Warrior."

   My name is Linda I was born and raised in Rome Ohio. I am 14 year old and down to earth. I was never really into my history, or Native American history, until I went to Beaumont Boy Scout camp in Rock Creek Ohio. Some people there asked me if I wanted to come to a small powwow they where having? I said sure…
   I listened to their songs and I really liked it and they where teaching us about Native culture and I was like ‘Wow, I never knew that...’
   Then I was asked did I want to learn how to dance? I was thinking well not many chances like this one come along in a lifetime so I said yes. And I did, it is great, I have been into it ever since. I have been dancing for like 3 years now...
   I go to as many powwows as I can. I am now in a drum group with the Eastern Lenape people. I like to go to a bi powwow every year with them. I sing, drum and dance. I am a girl grass dancer and sing and drum for the Lenape Nation.

   Osyio. I am Carrol Uganawa Adanvdo, which means Warm Heart. I am, Cherokee and Creek on my father's side and Irish and Cherokee on my mother's.
   Some of my relatives still live on the reservation in North Carolina. I was born in West Virginia and married a man from Georgia, where I still live today. I strayed from my roots for a long time. I was told to tell people I was Black Irish.
   But I couldn't do it. I am Tsalagi. I want my children to know of their heritage, their people, their roots. I want them to be proud of their heritage, where they came from. I want them to stand up for who they
are and to know their ways. I want them to care about wildlife and to love and have respect for Mother Earth.
   And when I meet my ancestors one day, they will tell me "Well done." We are the forgotten people. I am trying to get in touch with as many of our people as I can to bring them together. I want to preserve the culture, traditions and history of the Cherokee people. I attend Pow Wows as often as I can, because that's where I feel more at home than anywhere else.