I am a 54 yr old disabled Vietnam Vet. I am half Scotch-Irish and half Aniyunwiya. My wife, of 34 years, and I live on 7 acres outside of Branson, Missouri. We have 3 children, 2 girls and a boy, all of which are grown. Our youngest is in her 11th year in the Navy.
I have been an Aniyuhnwiya Story Teller for several years. I'm also somewhat of an artist and carve canes and walking sticks as well.
Due to the issues facing our Native Peoples I have recently taken to writing in hopes of shedding some light on the many problems faced. Poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, a suicide rate more than double any other race's, and gang life that draws in our youth are problems we can't afford to ignore.
We were once a strong and proud People. I firmly believe we can be again.
A return to spiritual and family values is a must.
Our traditions, our ceremonies, our ancestors and our sacred places should be treated with the respect that they deserve.
We should not ask this, we should not wish for this....we should demand it!
Lets give our youth something to be proud of and show them we have not lost our hearts.
And where our youth are concerned, it would do well for you to remember....They are the future of our People.
Without them there is no future.