Now that I feel a little better

Page 4

People and Places

Oki.

I know, I know, it's been such a long time since we've visited. I really didn't have much to say. I have been trying to get back into the groove of travelling to different events in Indian country. I decided to go back home to Siksika Nation for the invitational basketball and hockey tournaments. Both the tournaments turned out to be successful. The winner for the men's basketball was the Rezmen, a put-together team from Siksika and Crow Agency, Montana. Hockey was won by a team from Siksika. Congratulations to the winners. And to the organizers. . . good tournament and good time!

Did you ever go through a time when you felt that you weren't sure of who you were? This phase has come and gone for me. When I write this column, it's about what I see through my eyes. As I told you earlier, I haven't been to any events, because my eyes were not seeing why those events were happening.

Last week, one of my closest friends, Cory Keewatin, called me and asked if I was going to the SIFC 20th anniversary powwow in Regina. I told him I didn't have a way down and no extra money. He told me I didn't have to worry. He and his mom, Amy, will come to pick me up. Friday afternoon I was on my way. That moment was the first of many good moments I had over the weekend. When we arrived, we went to Inez Dieter's place, Amy's friend. She had a personality so bright and open, she gave me a positive boost.

I was a bit apprehensive about being at the powwow. You know, to be among 691 dancers, 35 drum groups and many spectators, you'd feel the same way. As the afternoon went on, I started to feel relaxed after seeing some old friends and visiting with them. One in particular was Charlene Tillequots, from White Swan, Washington. We sort of bumped into each other and I knew her, but I didn't know how until she refreshed my memory. I had written a story about her, way back when I wrote for Windspeaker. She told me she still had the newspaper. Wow!

As the weekend went on, I started to feel like my old self. I met many new people. Two people in particular made an imprint on me; one was Warren Wahpepah from Tama, Iowa. He produced a record for the Meskwaki Nation singers. He gave so much insight into different Native nations across this big continent of ours. Not just the traditional aspects but the actions and reactions of people.

The other person was Lena O'Watch, originally from Kawacatoose reserve, north of Regina. I didn't ask her how old she was, but I'm guessing she was about 80-years-old, but in heart she was my age. She was sitting by us all day, I sat down and visited. She asked me what I did for a living.

Of course, the questions about if I'm married and have any kids came up. Both questions were no, of course. She told me that it's not too often she meets "girls" that live their lives first before settling down and having families. I laughed with her, because of the way she said it. She asked me not to repeat in her exact words. I promised I would tell it in a good way.

Before I left on Friday, I volunteered to record some live powwow tunes for CFWE. This time the levels were not too high. Sometime in the near future, you'll be listening to some great powwows recorded by me!!

When you are doubting yourself, let things fall where they may and in no time you'll be back to your old self.