New Era Princesses
I did meet someone downstate, who thought they had a grandma who was related to the "Real" Pocahontas, but let me educate you on the "new era" Pocahontas. A new warrior, a powerful individual that is beginning to reclaim the hypothetical Indian Princess you learned about in the Disney movie (or in my case, the sort of real 14-year-old Indian "Squaw" in my Native American Literature course).
The way of the warrior is a combination of love, commitment, freedom, sharing, vision, lifetime learning, possibility, and optimism. This new princess is robust and independent, taking the oppression of her mother and turning it into her motivation, not only for change but tangible action. This newly re-defined princess represents every shade of beauty. A hybrid of princes chic and warrior brave, the fluidity and balance of having it all. These princesses exist. Some of them are my role models, my educators, my family, my friends and damn sure - every single one of my sorority sisters (praise the skyyyy emoji). I am blessed to bare witness to these empowering women in my life. The persistent and tenacious queens who work their asses off! The ones who carry whole families on their shoulders. The people who conquer and succeed through adversity then, raise little ones to do the same!
The way of the warrior is a combination of love, commitment, freedom, sharing, vision, lifetime learning, possibility, and optimism. This new princess is robust and independent, taking the oppression of her mother and turning it into her motivation, not only for change but tangible action. This newly re-defined princess represents every shade of beauty. A hybrid of princes chic and warrior brave, the fluidity and balance of having it all. These princesses exist. Some of them are my role models, my educators, my family, my friends and damn sure - every single one of my sorority sisters (praise the skyyyy emoji). I am blessed to bare witness to these empowering women in my life. The persistent and tenacious queens who work their asses off! The ones who carry whole families on their shoulders. The people who conquer and succeed through adversity then, raise little ones to do the same!
I can't say thank you enough to these strong warriors. I, myself will represent this new era princess! I have always been different and not afraid to try new things. I've never been afraid to stick out. I always have. I was always the light skin native with all my dark cousins. I want to state that it is okay.
At this year's 38th Annual Keweenaw Bay Powwow in my hometown of Baraga, a beautiful dark native mother (another New Era warrior princess) came up to me and complimented my regalia. She said her little one's, who also have light hair, love to dance when I do. They felt more comfortable not being the only different ones... and I loved that! There will be no judgment coming from this way, and real beauty arrives in every size, shape, and color. Wearing a regalia isn't for certain skin color or hair style. Although, defining native is and will always be hard for me, please know I have faced the same implications from historical trauma as any other oppressed peoples. Have the awareness, that even if I look different on the outside, I also face that similar oppression. I believe that commonality alone supports solidarity, not shunning. I will forever remain separate, but know I am not any more or less than anyone else.
A real princess - the Warrior shares her strength with others. Growing together.
At this year's 38th Annual Keweenaw Bay Powwow in my hometown of Baraga, a beautiful dark native mother (another New Era warrior princess) came up to me and complimented my regalia. She said her little one's, who also have light hair, love to dance when I do. They felt more comfortable not being the only different ones... and I loved that! There will be no judgment coming from this way, and real beauty arrives in every size, shape, and color. Wearing a regalia isn't for certain skin color or hair style. Although, defining native is and will always be hard for me, please know I have faced the same implications from historical trauma as any other oppressed peoples. Have the awareness, that even if I look different on the outside, I also face that similar oppression. I believe that commonality alone supports solidarity, not shunning. I will forever remain separate, but know I am not any more or less than anyone else.
A real princess - the Warrior shares her strength with others. Growing together.
The Cedar Awakening Collection.
And now my little cousin is following the family legacy, the legacy of the "real" native princess. She was crowned this past Friday also at the Baraga Powwow! The same beautiful outdoor arena, my mother and I were both crowned at as well! I didn't even notice until writing this now, how similar my mom's and my crown were, which wasn't intended at all!! Jailyn is keeping the family tradition, and we all couldn't be more proud.
Keeping tradition. Me - being crowned in 2008 and my beautiful mother crowned in 1982.
Yes, I'm a natural brunette!
Jailyn Shelifoe - Miss Keweenaw Bay 2016
Miss and Junior Miss KBIC 2016
Can we talk about how cute little princesses are and how wild Jailyn and I have such similar articles!! I am beyond impressed Jails, and I can not wait to see your future success!! You have an amazing support system behind you, who will guide you along the way. Don't you forget that!
To all the warrior women - Once a princess, Always a princess.
Miigwetch!
Miigwetch!
