Very Eclectic

I want to tell a story. Many know I was adopted at birth. I grew up outside my Aleut and Tlingit culture. Not sure if I would have grown up in the culture even if I stayed with birth parents. Not a judgment on them but how life has been for many growing up away from villages. When I was growing up I was told I was native. I thought nothing of it. When I was older I adopted a sort of pan-Indian view because I was disconnected from my tribes. I had this pride about being native. When I was in my early 20s I wanted to do a native program so you had to be enrolled. My mom asked at one time to enroll me in Aleut but I declined. I had went through this uncomfortable process of being somewhat embarrassed of my Aleut side. I thought Tlingit was "cooler." I have never told anyone that. Most tribes are matrillineal...you follow your mom or the family of your mother. But I immersed myself in Tlingit culture and history and enrolled. I have been at this stage in my life to learn what I can about my mother's side. It's complex as well. She grew up in king salmon which is central yupik and sugpiaq territory. But she is enrolled Aleut. I ultimately would like to know what island out family is from. Because whether I live to travel there one day or not I would like my ashes to be brought there to reconcile what ever trauma, grief and history that had me be shameful or shy away from that. That one of my children or grandchildren will pick up the culture. I am glad they are learning some Tlingit and raised in small town, community but I also hope for this reunion to my ancestors on my mother's side. I see all these beautiful images of different Aleutian islands and I think home. I know it's more than image. I know it's deeper than surface. I know it can be hard. Because living small town past 15 years has shown me the complexities of life and the richness. But I still see home and the beauty of the landscape.

Couple of keychains, and earrings. If interested message me. Venmo only.