My Relatives Say

O’Siyo Nigadawu (hello everyone),

I am AmaTsisqua (Waterbird), daughter of the Bird and Wolf clans and born to the Tsalagi (Cherokee). I am also known as Nudagesv Duyudv (Weight Truth or Weighs The Truth). For many decades now I have been listening to the voices of my relatives, learning truth in all its varying shades of gray, and learning the ways of bear, turtle, snake, scorpion, wolf, bird, dog, cat, dolphin, manatee, and fish. Along the way I have tasted of each element of life – water, fire, earth, and air.

Two years ago a drastic change took place in my life and It left me feeling desperately heaving for air. The details don’t really matter. My story is the same as yours except for one thing…I walk with one foot in one reality and one foot in another. As with most humans, I have experienced tragedy, disappointment, frustration, anger, gladness, exhilaration, falling in love, grief, and just plain joy. Each emotion at its greatest pinnacle had to be examined from two very different points of view. One perspective comes from the modern approach of practicality and moving ahead. The other perception comes from very conventional wisdom that is not widely known in current society.

This walking in two worlds can become confusing, not to mention down-right annoying, especially when life presents some of its greatest challenges. We ½ breeds, ¼ breeds, 1/16th breeds, 1/32nd breeds, and wannabes all amount to about the same. We’re searching to whom and where we belong.

Through this blog it is my intention and hope that while I ponder the deeper questions of life I will also share the voices of my relatives and what they have taught me when I’ve been willing to learn. Believe me when I say there is no one who challenges me better than myself. Yet I encourage you to question what I will tell you over the coming months. And while we’re at it, we’ll invite our ancestors into the discussion so we may learn from each other. It is the only way to go. You’ll see this to be true.

My next entry will be regarding impact. “Impact” will be at least a two-part series – possibly more. We’ll see as time goes on. The path always takes a winding course but it always comes back around to particularly important issues. I promise not to preach or belittle, look down or deny, live without empathy or with sympathy. Maybe through this journey we will learn how not to be divided. Maybe through this journey we will learn how to be spiritual beings having a human experience. Maybe we will learn the IMPACT we have on all our relations. Maybe we’ll see how very close we really are!

Let’s walk with both feet and see where it takes us.