Jeffco Indian Education Speaks! Cafe Cultura Community Speaks Project #41 Youth in Telling Our Stories Program
Jeffco Indian Education Speaks! Copyright Š 2017 by Youth in Telling Our Stories Program All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.
To the amazing and creative students in our after-school program: Be powerful in speaking up for yourself and others. We need your leadership! #CafeCultura #XpressYourself #TellingOurStories
Acknowledgments Thank you JeffCo Indian Education staff for inviting us to work with your students as they find their voice and tell their stories. Special thank you to the participants for writing and performing powerful words. Remember: “It’s our responsibility and choice to express ourselves and lift our voice, together building unity, leaders in our community. This is how we tell our stooorrrryyyy!”
Foreword It was an honor to partner with Jeffco Indian Education in offering Café Cultura’s “Telling Our Stories” workshop series for students in 4th through 10th grades. Hosted at South Lakewood Elementary, participants impressed us with their ability to discuss complex ideas and analyze poetry. They excelled in writing and performing their own spoken word pieces. This book gives you a glimpse into how they see themselves and the world around them. As you will notice from their words, their potential is limitless. We look forward to staying connected, as they develop into the leaders we need. Enjoy and share their words! For those who do not know about our organization: Café Cultura is an award-winning arts, culture, and youth development organization in Denver that promotes unity and healing among Indigenous peoples through creative expression while empowering youth to find their voice, reclaim oral and written traditions, and become leaders in their communities. Café Cultura has been providing positive, creative, and engaging community spaces for the Denver metropolitan area for more than ten years. After the passing of respected elder and veteran poet Abelardo “Lalo” Delgado, we accepted responsibility to continue using our oral and written traditions to provide opportunities for creative expression often not offered in schools or in the larger community. Café Cultura also drew inspiration from the movement connecting Indigenous people from throughout the Americas. We use creative expression to unify people representing southern Indigenous nations, known by terms such as “Chicana/o” and “Latina/o,” with those Natives of northern nations, referred to as “American Indian” or “Native American.” Café Cultura hosts one of the best open mic venues in the Denver metropolitan area, and the only space focused on family and youth. We also conduct highly engaging and culturally relevant
spoken word/poetry workshops for underserved youth throughout Colorado. CafĂŠ Cultura partners with select organizations and schools to facilitate an intensive workshop series, publish youth poetry, and organize participant showcases. In an effort to develop young leaders within our community, we also coordinate a youth leadership program for Indigenous youth. If you or your organization is interested in collaborating, feel free to contact us. For more information about our open mic events, workshops, youth leadership program, and other programs: www.cafecultura.org info@cafecultura.org 720-394-6589
Table of Contents My Drawing by Andrea .........................................................................1 My Life by Norman ...............................................................................2 Lucy: Part of Me .....................................................................................4 Tree of Life by Jahzara ..........................................................................7 Our Struggle by Lacy .............................................................................8 A Family Meal by Nyla ....................................................................... 10 Me by Isabel ......................................................................................... 11 The Soccer Game of Life by Ayla .................................................... 13 Power and Pride by Jennifer .............................................................. 14 Strength by Cielo ................................................................................. 16 My Grandpa by Kyra .......................................................................... 17 Tae Kwon Do by Kane ...................................................................... 18 What Makes Me, Me by Andrea ....................................................... 19 Book of Life by Norman ................................................................... 21 Together by Lucy ................................................................................ 22 Songs of Life by Nyla ......................................................................... 24 Warrior by Jahzara .............................................................................. 25 Health and Healing by Lacy .............................................................. 27 Running a Race by Isabel ................................................................... 30 Safe by Ayla .......................................................................................... 32 She Colors by Nyla ............................................................................. 33 Keep Going by Jennifer ..................................................................... 34 Swimming by Cielo ............................................................................. 35
My Drawing by Andrea I let the ideas and possibilities from my pencil flow onto the paper of life. But then the voices in my head come out to play. They push my original ideas out of the way, telling me what is wrong with them and what could go wrong. Then, my pencil turns into my eraser, trying to get rid of what looks like a mistake. But it is hard to get rid of mistakes. I have drawn too hard on the paper and blue lines can still be seen. But I have to continue on, adding the tassels at the end of my hat and continuing the strokes to my robe. I add the lights in my eyes, as the sun shines through the clouds. This drawing shows my graduation, completing what I have started. I will get the results I want. So, I turn the voices in my head into little suggestions and push them into the back of my mind. I let the power in my hand create my future.
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My Life by Norman I come from a responsible mother. who loves and takes care of her kids. I have wisdom from her. She always makes us happy. She makes sure that we have a good education since she could not get one for herself. In her beautiful brown eyes, I can see that she is proud of us. Her accomplishments in the years to follow will be that she made us. I will never forget the chicken and rice that my mother makes. I will always remember the taste. When I eat it, it makes me feel warm and happy In many years, I will have what gives me luck. I will never forget my lucky rabbit foot with its white fur and soft texture. It is a reminder of the powwow where I bought it.
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It always makes me feel lucky. I come from a time when over one million people protested for freedom. The people wanted a reform, and it all happened a month before I was born. That is the end of that story, but mine is just starting.
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Lucy: Part of Me My heart is at Bear Butte. The smell of sage in the air reminds me of being in nature. When I climbed it, I was where Eagle Boy sat. I look to the past of tribal times, finding myself and gaining knowledge. I hold prayer and medicine when I am there. Within the traditions of my Oyate, we have a hanbleceya. It is a rite of passage, often taking place at Bear Butte. It is important for us to learn what our ancestors need us to do. Hanbleceya means crying for a vision. It makes me feel confident. Through my eyes, I see tobacco bundles tied to the tree, helping oyate who left home. In my dreams, Bear Butte is a real sleeping bear. It represents love, respect for traditions, and strength. Being at Bear Butte makes me feel happy, strong, spiritual, and loved. It smells like prayers,
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sweet grass, and ancestors. This place is not just sacred, it is part of me. I will always remember Thompson's buffalo art work. It reminds me of his strengths as a healer. He uses his art to show respect of our future. Thompson is an elder who sacrificed his health to perform ceremonies and heal others. It makes me happy when he paints beautiful buffalo art. My heart feels loved when I see his art. He gives me knowledge and reminds me to be myself. I learned how to smudge because of Thompson. He make me feel spiritual. He holds stories and medicine of our ancestors. He represents beauty and knowledge for our family. In our community, he offers prayer and helps others. He prays for our future. Thompson has taught me to be respectful, care for our traditions, and not be mean. I am sad he is sick
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and moved away. But I will always remember what he taught me. I will stay strong. I will send him prayers to help him get better and come back. Cafe Cultura gave me a voice to speak about my life, to tell stories good or bad. Spoken word is Indigenous and part of how I am learning. I used to fear talking in public. But now, I feel powerful. Cafe Cultura gave me community, making me feel safe to speak. It helps Indigenous people tell our stories. Love goes into people's hearts. I feel proud to speak and perform my poetry. I am able to tell stories of the past to keep them around for the future. It reminds me of a traditional way of being. I think about how I did not have a voice. But now, I can express myself more. Cafe Cultura is part of my life. It is my family, my community, and my future.
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Tree of Life by Jahzara Life started in the ground. You grow and grow because your motivation shines into your veins. It explains your story. People tug on your leaves all time but you seem to grow back. Seasons change you into a different person every time. In a beautiful season, you start to pass your seeds (your story) to a fresh ground of grass. Then, that seed grows into another life, another tree. This cycle continues forever. Each part of your life changes because of who you become and what you do to motivate yourself as a person, a tree, a living thing.
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Our Struggle by Lacy In my dream, I see a big huge camp filled with tipis and people riding horse. My dreams came true seeing my people come together at Standing Rock. It was a reflection of the past. I was taught to protect the water and mother earth in Standing Rock. They are trying to pollute our water. I will keep the oil in its rightful place and away from our water. I am a young Indigenous girl. The smell of water reminds of the water protectors and the people of Turtle Island because water is life. We hold prayers, living the old ways at camp. It reminds me of a traditional time when our sacred camp fires burned with power. Through my eyes, I see Indigenous resilience and water protectors being free. Together, we can protect the water in North Dakota. I will always remember Sing our River Red, when we marched to honor Native women
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who have gone missing or been murdered. We want to remember them. They were someone’s mother, sister, auntie, and daughter. We wore red and sang songs. This march represented family joining together. We held our fist up high, showing that we will not be silent. We will stand for our sisters. I am sad for all the sisters we have lost. The march made me feel strong, being with other Native women My heart, strength, and love went into it. It connects our missing sisters to us who are here and will stand up for Native women in the future. I will carry the lost women in my heart.
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A Family Meal by Nyla The steam fills the room, difficult to pass. Through the steam, there shines a light, the glistening and gleaming from the pan. Crackling and popping, the noise is like music. The noise travels with an angel, traveling down to share a game with the shouting of orange, and the screaming of blue. The smells tackles us all. We charge to the kitchen. Like an angel, he glides to the pot, giving a touch of God to make it heaven. I yank the drawer open, and there’s my special fork. the silver fork, full of steel, stabbing gold, full of flavor. I travel to New Mexico. The music and the spirit dazzle on my tongue. No more bites to fill my mouth. “More Please!”
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Me by Isabel I will always remember the laughter green chile gave my family. It comes from my great great-grandma, who made it with love, always. Every time I take a bite, I feel connected to my family. I will never forget how glad I am when I smell that steamy, hot deliciousness. The smell reminds me of my brother. He always makes me laugh and feel excited! I will always remember how my brother told me to never give up and try your best. He helps me to remember who I am. He makes me proud, like I make him proud. I love him to the sky and back, just like my dad, a strong Native man. I will always remember how my dad stood up for us and did everything he could. I love my dad so much. I can feel the strength he gives me, just like my keychain.
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I will never forget the special keychain that my cousin gave me. Every time I see it, I feel stronger, like God gave me power. I can feel my ancestors with my prayers! I am my keychain.
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The Soccer Game of Life by Ayla As the whistle blows for my big soccer game of life, I stand on the field not being noticed. Then, finally as the ball rolls over to my position, I take control of the ball with my feet and start running. I run, finally feeling happiness in my life. Then, I feel pushes, bumps, trips, the obstacles in my life. I fall. Then, once again, I am not noticed. I get back on my feet. My teammate passes me the ball. A player from the team of obstacles tries to stop me. But I go around, kicking the ball in the net. That is how the game of life is for me.
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Power and Pride by Jennifer I will never forget my great grandmother who made a gem into a necklace, using a part of her mother’s favorite thing to make it for me. It is real to me and neat to everyone. The necklace represents my luck and thoughts. It carries my power and strengths. I will always remember that it came from my loved ones. I am the warmth and comfort that my family feels when we take every chewy or crunchy bite. I am the care and knowledge that my dad, mom, and grandma share with our family. I will never forget the way I feel when I taste it. I will never forget how my dad would stand proud, protecting the family at all costs. He is always there for me, making me feel confident. He gave up what he needed for me. I am proud of who he taught me to be. I am part of the good he gave me and the good he is.
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I am a person who is loved like everyone else. My family stands proud for who they are.
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Strength by Cielo In my room it stands, the Ariel statue I have. The red drooping hair, the smile on her cheerful face, She is sitting on a shining stone. My dad gave it to me. It is a memory I can never forget. I get happy, I get cheerful whenever I see it. The statue shows her strength. When I see her, I smile. I feel strong. I feel proud. I love my statue for its beauty and strength, just like a girl with braided brown hair, pulling up her sleeve, showing her muscles. She shows her strength. She is strong and she shows it. When I look at myself, I know that I am strong with my Ariel statue, and the woman who showed me that I am stronger than ever.
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My Grandpa by Kyra I will never forget my grandpa, who was nice and had a joyful smile. He was good with people, always loving and kind to everyone. His grey hair filled with bubbles and his tattoos showing a story, are something I will remember about him. I could never forget him. I remember the last time I saw him. It was the saddest moment ever, but I will never forget him.
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Tae Kwon Do by Kane I walk on the blue mat. I feel like someone is being mean. I feel really, really strong. I punch doubt in the face. He falls to the ground but comes back up. I kick him in the face, down to the mat. Now, I have a yellow belt.
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What Makes Me, Me by Andrea I am made of meat, beans, cheese, and tortilla. I come from my grandmother and my mother’s friends, showing the differences between people and what they like. I will always remember how the soft and chewy bites make me feel warm and great. They remind me that people are made of different things, the things that make people great. I will especially never forget who makes them, my mother. She makes me feel loved and strong, like I belong. She can sing, dance, draw, and cook. I am just fine with her being my mother. She sacrificed her G.E.D. because of me. What kind of mother she is? Strong, kind, caring, loving,
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and my favorite person in the world. She taught me to stand up for myself and not let people make me feel anything that I am not. She has given me the ability to have a past. She is the one I will always go to no matter how I feel. She is someone who will always be there for me. She is my mother.
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Book of Life by Norman I read a book called life. One wrong move makes you skip the words of life. There are people who distract you. You have to ignore them. Every chapter is a new chapter in life. So follow your dreams and be successful in life. Read your book to the end.
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Together by Lucy I am an Indian taco. and come from the pow wow community. The fry bread smells like a sunday morning cooking with my mom. When I eat Indian tacos, I feel good about being Native. It taste like love and community. It makes me think about the traditions passed down to me. It is made of flour, meat, cheese, chili, beans, and love. I feel grateful because it brings our family together. Making it teaches me about our Native ways. It tastes like my culture’s strength and power. We share our stories over a big Indian taco. Together, we can laugh and be silly. Our power is in the frybread. I am the love and enjoyment from my hand drum. I carry it with honor
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and respect for my mom. I use my hand drum for ceremonial and silly songs. They feel like greatness because I can make them. My hand drum is the heart beat. I use it anywhere, but most importantly at ceremonies where we pray. My drum is round and made with a buffalo hide. Every time I play it, I honor the buffalo. My grandpa gave it to me as a gift because he loves me. That moment made me feel special. When I play my hand drum, it reminds me of my brother and cousin because they taught me how to play. It makes my family happy, bringing them together. My hand drum connects me to the past and the future of my oyate, by keeping our stories and songs alive.
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Songs of Life by Nyla When you are born, you have a purpose in your life. So what if you are rich or your clothes are torn? You were meant to sing. Some say they cannot, that it hurts and make your ears ring. But you have always sang with power to make an awakening. You do it to make a change. You laugh the song of enlightenment full of joy, filled with excitement. You cry out a melody. The tears are the notes to people’s ears, drowned in harmony. You were born to sing. It is your purpose on earth to affect the moments in life you bring. Do not let them stop you. You have always shined. You have the power in your voice to echo through.
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Warrior by Jahzara Here, I hold in my hands a box that keeps all of my plans. It holds a story that gives you positives of my life that cannot be explained because there are no negatives. That night I will always remember and cherish forever because it live forever. It may seem as if a pile of grey powder cannot lift your mood but my past has a story too. It is what’s left of a dog I loved someone I can call a brother who sacrificed his life to stay with me forever. This a dog that was born again lifted my spirit so that I can be whatever. That night, I will remember forever for it changed me forever. I come from a unique family but the one higher than all of my siblings is a beautiful, powerful woman. She carried me through a war to sacrifice for our country, so there will come peace. Meaning the world to me, she has been there for many years. I cannot do anything
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if she was not here. My two protectors are my warriors. They fight, they listen, and they speak for me to respond. Now, my life continues on.
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Health and Healing by Lacy I am the soft and spicy enchiladas my mother makes. They like fluffy clouds. Her enchiladas have been passed down from generation of women. The smell of spices reminds me of my mom with love in her heart. The powerful chicken, chile, and cheese make me feel happy and loved. On the winter solstice, my mom and sister make enchiladas to change the world. Enchiladas are necessary for growth, health, and good conditions for me. Cooking enchiladas holds our family together. It connects me to my past and my great-grandma Chris. In the future, I will teach them to my kids. I will never forget Thompson, the warrior. He got sick and could not walk. He stayed strong because people sent him prayers. He taught me the importance of prayer.
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Now, he got sick again and had to go back to Oklahoma. It makes me happy because he will get better there. I can help Thompson heal by sending him prayers every night, lighting sage bundles, making tobacco bundles, and going to ceremony. When I jingle dress dance, it is my prayer for him, my elders, and ancestors. I want him to heal because he still has much to teach me. He taught me to be respectful when people are talking and how to use sage to smudge our elders. He showed me to help people who need help, teaching me to be leader, healer, and dancer. Thompson showed us how to be a happy healer and tell stories through art. He taught me to dance by him because he was being a kind elder, showing me step by step to dance in prayer. He inspired people with his art and heals by telling of his medicine. His painting with the medicine man
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tells how he will love our people and heal them with our sacred medicine. Thompson gives his time for love, silliness, and art. When he helps a lot of people, it makes me feel happy, because I want to become a healer.
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Running a Race by Isabel I am frightened. There are kids who are ready to win, kids who compete. I see rain. I feel rain, raining on me. I see sunshine at the finish light. I am ready. POW! I do not react right away to the gunshots. The rain is now pouring on me, heavy drips, deep drips, deep words. The noises bother me, the name calling. I feel hurt. I see my dad cheering me on. The rain is now little drips. My legs hurt. My feelings hurt. My dad smiles, yells “Keep going!� No more rain, I finish. My dad comes to help me feel powerful. My sister yells at the kids. It scares them. There is no more rain, no more hurtful name calling. I make my family proud
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by not giving up. I finish the race and I find freedom.
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Safe by Ayla I will always remember the way that my grandpa shared his time and money with me. He treated me like an angel. He never yelled at me. He loved me. He never was unhappy to see me. He made me happy. I wish we had a chance to go fishing. I love him. I am so thankful for people like my grandpa and Martin Luther King Jr., who fought for Black people to have rights. Some of my friends are Black. I would not know them if Martin Luther King Jr and others had not stood up. Even though Martin Luther King Jr. and my grandpa never met, they worked together to keep the U.S. safe. My grandpa was a veteran while Martin Luther King Jr. was a very important person. It is sad that somebody killed MLK Jr. I wish grandpa never died.
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She Colors by Nyla She colors the world in green. Yet, you overlap the beauty with a machine. She fills the skies with a bright gleam. Yet, you are a country filled with steam. She cries a whisper of sorrow. Yet, you take her land to borrow. She has a thunder of concern. Yet, you ignore her asking you to return. She colors the world in green. Yet, it is something mankind has never seen.
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Keep Going by Jennifer If you are running, and you find a tree in your way, do not let it stop you. Keep going! Find a way to go around, find a way to keep going. I was running to find a drink of water, to keep me up to see. I saw a brick wall in front of me I had to get around. since I could not climb it. So I keep trying to look for a way. I go around, not letting it get in my way. I do not let the problems in life stop me. I always keep going. I have to find the confidence and strength to go around, to keep going. I found the water. I finished. I made it because I always keep going. You all need to keep going and not let the weight of life’s problems get in your way.
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Swimming by Cielo Swimming is not an easy task. It is actually pretty hard. Every time I come up for air, it is like someone trying to stop me from doing something. When I kick the water, I push through obstacles.
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