New Era Princesses
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!
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.
Miigwetch!